
SHOEING 

WHERE PETROLEUM IS 
FOUND; THE PRODUCTION O? 

PETROLEUM ; THE EFFECT OF THE 
REPEAL OF THE GOVERNMENT TAX ON 
CRUDE PETROLEUM ; THE LOCATION, DEPTH, 

A ERA US PRODUCTION, AN1) OWNERSHIP OF ALL Til It , 
ON THE CENTRAL PETROLEUM COMPANY, BOYD, HYf 
SD EGBERT, STEVENSON, TARR AND WOOD FARMS, f 
BE-NNriIOFF, PIONEER, GREAT WESTERN, BULL i 
AND OTHER RUNS; TOGETHER WITH 

SKETCHES OK PETROLEUM CENTRE, j 

PIONEER CITY, SHAFFER, TITUS- i 

VILLE, PLEASANTVILLE, 

AND TERRITORIES. { 


JlnD otljer Places of in 


H. MARK! 


(OOF T. GOOF 


TITUSVILLE, FA. 


ilTUSVILLE MORNING JUKUIALD PRINT 


















JOHN J. CARTER’S 

EMPORIUM OF FASHION 

GENTS’ FURNISHING GOODS, 



Hats, Caps and Fine 

« 

Ready-Made Clothing 

Of the latest styles always on hand. The Emporium ot fashion 

will be found at 


FRANKLIN STREET, 


No, 2 Fletcher’s Block, TITUSVILLE, PA. 



Also at 


PETROLEUM CENTRE, PA., 


Under the head of JOHN J. CARTER & CO. 


JOHN J. CARTER. 


JOSEPH H. HITCHCOX. 


A Custom Department is attached to each store, where will be 
found a large stock of samples from which we are ready to manu- 
facture all the latest styles in the shortest possible notice, and at 
prices as low as the eastern markets. 









F. H. EDDY & CO. 


SUCCESSORS TO KINO BROS., 

DEALERS IN 

HARDWARE, 

IRON, STEEL AND NAILS, 

STOVE, TIN & COPPER WARE 

ROPE AND BELTING. 

All kinds of Well Fixtures, Tubing, 
drivings pipe, &c. 


AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF THE CELEBRATED 


ORIENTAL & STEWART STOVES. 


ALSO 

f 

HERRING’S SAFES and FAIRBANKS’ SCALES. 

Diamond St., TITUSVILLE, PA. 




jtPi 

S. A. BARNES & CO ./ft ! 5 


Commercial Brokers 

AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS, 

15 Holmden Street. \ PITHOLE CITY, PA. 


Buy and Sell 



Drilling Tools, Tubing, Casing, Driving Pipe, &c., Also deal in 
Coal Lands, Oil Lands, Leases, and Oil Interests. 

Fill Orders for Oil, 


Contract the Putting Down of Oil Wells, and 

Transact a General Business. 

Companies or individuals at a distance wishing to close out their 
business will find it to their advantage to correspoud with us, as 
our facilities for efiecting sales are not excelled in the Oil Regions. 

REFERENCES AMPLE. 


S- A. BARNES. 


i\ O. ADDRESS, BOX 52. 


W. H. HILL. 










JOSEPH BARTLETT & CO. 


WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 

Crude Petroleum. 


OFFICES 


Corner Willey St., and 
c. c. & a. it. a., 
Cleveland, O. 


EMPIRE TANK, 
BOYD FARM, 

Penn-a. 


RAILROAD PLATFORMS AT 


^otjsebjhe, Story 





6111 & CO. 


Dealers in 



♦ AND RUBRICATING OILS, 


No. 8 Sextos Block, CLEVELAND, 0. 


HENRY TIBBETTS, Agent, 

Gil Creek Railroad, Office at Boyd Farm, Pa. 

M. M. HARRINGTON, Agent, 

Farmers’ Railroad, Office at Rouseville, Pa. 















J. A. SHERRIFF & CO. 



LOCATED AT 


PETROLEUM CENTRE, PA., 

FOOT OF WASHINGTON STREET, 

and in close connection with the most productive farms in the 
oil regions. Keep on hand 

Well Tubing, Casing; Clamps, 

TONGS, DRIVING PIPE, ROPES, 

SAND PUMPS, BELLOWS, ANVILS 

and all that pertains to drilling or pumping wells, together with a 
general assortment of Shelf and Heavy 



lr©ni* Mdtsr Glass* 

PUTTY, OSLS, PAINTS, &c. 


Also Office, Parlor and 

COOKING ST O "VE S 3 

for wood or coal, with pipe and fittings. Also do a 

General Manufacturing Business 

Tin, Copper, Sheet Iron and Gas Fittings ; and being practical 
mechanics we flatter ourselves that we can give our customers sat¬ 
isfaction. We understand the. character -of their wants, as also 
when the work is properly done. 

Our Prices are as Low as the Lowest. 



• -4 •• ♦ • -- ' 1 

PHILLIPS, 



ICO. 


Shippers and Wholesale Dealers in 


CRUDE AND REFINED 

PETROLEUM. 

-» ^. » ■<- 

OFFICES AT 

Petroleum Centre and Rouseviile, Penn’a. 

* 


PIATFORM9 AT 


Petroleum Centre, Story Farm and Kouseville, Pa, 

- r* • ■ .r . Tnr r$Y-- IF 


O. C. Phillips, Petroleum Centre. M. M. Harrington, Rouseviile. 
s-. . . . -..ILR, TibsIts, Petroleum Centre. 








MORNING HERALD 

book : J^ISTJD 

JOB PRINTING 

house:, 

TITUSVILLE, PENN’A. 


The Titusville Morning Herald 

Is the oldest and largest doily newspaper in the Oil Regions. We 
have paid correspondents who keep us fully informed of all matters 
relating to the oil interest. Our market reports are carefully pre¬ 
pared and may be relied upon as perfectly accurate and complete. 
Subscription price $10 per year. 

THE WEEKLY HERALD 

Is made up from the contents of the daily, and is mailed to sub¬ 
scribers at $2 per year. These two papers constitute the best adver¬ 
tising mediums in Western Pennsylvania. 

The public are informed that in connection with the newspaper 
we have one of the best appointed • 

Job Departments 

In Western Pennsylvania, to' which haUrecently been added a fine 
stock of new miterial and new presses, which enables us to turn 
out w'ork very rapidly. 

Parties at a distance from Titusville in want of any description 
of printing can send their orders by mail and receive prompt and 
satisfactory returns. Our terms are strictly cash.. Address 

BL00S BROS. & CDCSWgLL. 




JOHJST FAREL, 

Furaitiore Wareroems. 

Parlor Sets, Chamber Sets, Office Furniture, Bureaus, Bedsteads, 
Centre Tables of every variety. Extension Tables, Breakfast Tables, 
Spring Beds, Mattresses, Blankets, AT COST. We have abo a 
very large stock of 

CANE-SEAT CHAIRS 

which can be had also upon the same terms. 

I wish the public to understand that l am prepared to offer 
them BETTER BARGAINS than ever before offered in Titusville. 
I have a stock of over $20,000 upon which it is impossible to 
get a tire insurance, and I have therefore determined to reduce 
my stock without further delay. 

Let every person in want oi Furniture call at once and examine 
my stock, which is the largest and best in the oil region. 

I have all kinds ot machinery for the manufacture of Furniture 
which I will sell for 60 per cent of the cost. Also a 14 horse¬ 
power Engine, in good order, upon the above terms. 

JOHN FAREL. 

Spring Street, Titusville, Pa. 


JOHN A. MATHER’S 

% 

OLD ESTABLISHED 

PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY 

SPRING STREET, 

(American Block.) Titusville, Pa. 


The largest and most elegant rooms in the city. Views from all 
parts of the oil regions for sale. Photographs, Porcelains, Ambro- 
types, Gems, Double Positions, (superior) Card Pictures, and all 
other styles known to the art. Copies from old pictures enlarged 
to any size required- 

A Large Assortment of Albums, 

Frame*, Stereoscopic Cards, and large pictures of the Oil Regions 
constantly on hand. Landscape views made to order. Terms 
roousonabie. 






(SUCCESSOR TO O. P. MORSE & CO.) 

COAL DEALER, 

Wholesale and Retail. 


All kinds of Hard and Soft Coal 


’Z'.A.IRIDS -A-T 

TITUSVILLE and PIONEER, PA. 

G. FREY. S. M. BEAR. 

FREY & BEAR, 

WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 



WINES, LIQUORS, &c. 

Keep on hand the purest Rye Whiskies, Freueh Brandies, Holland 
Gins, Port and Catawba Wines, 

TITUSVILLE & SHAFFER, PA. 

Wholesale Store on Spring street, and Retail- Stojre- on Franklin 
street, Titusville. Also at Shaffer Farm, Pa'.» • •' *;'» 












HISTORY 



OF THE 




♦ 

♦ 


SHOWING 

WHERE PETROLEUM IS 
FOUND ; THE PRODUCTION OF 
PETROLEUM ; THE EFFECT OF THE 
REPEAL OF THE GOVERNMENT TAX ON 
CRUDE PETROLEUM ; THE LOCATION, DEPTH, 
AVERAGE PRODUCTION, AND OWNERSHIP OF ALL THE 
WELLS ON THE CENTRAL PETROLEUM COMPANY, BOYD, HYDE 
AND EGBERT, STEVENSON, TARR AND WOOD FARMS, 
BENNEIIOFF, PIONEER, GREAT WESTERN, BULL 
AND OTHER RUNS ; TOGETHER WITH 
SKETCHES OF PETROLEUM CENTRE, 

PIONEER CITY, SHAFFER, TITUS¬ 
VILLE, PLEAS ANT VILLE, 

AND TERRITORIES, 


2liu) otljcr places of Note in fljc ©ii lUgiong 

BY 

CHA8. H. HARRIS, 

n 

(OOF t goof,) 

i 

BUFFALO, N. Y. 



TITUSVILLE, FA.: 

PRINTED AT <J HE TITUSVILLE MORNING HERALD OFFICE. 


I 860 , 





s 

Ta V 1 l 


Enteked according to Act of Congress, in the year 18t>6, by 
CHARLES H. HARRIS, 

in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, 
for the Western District of Pennsylvania. 







PREFACE. 

In offering the public this little sketch of the oil 
regions of Pennsylvania, it is with a perfect conscious¬ 
ness of its defects. No person however well informed, 
could, within the limits of such a work, embody all the 
interesting circumstances and events relating to this 
subject. Our object is fully attained if we have struck 
the principal fissures which communicate with the great 
“oil belt;” if we have selected the best surface shows; 
drilled into the “oil bearing rodemaintained a per¬ 
fectly reliable record, and “tested” to tin public satis¬ 
faction. Many months residence in the heart of the 
region, and constantly employed in the “searches” for 
oil, and a newspaper correspondent, have afforded the 
author opportunities for personal observation and inves¬ 
tigation not common to the general public. There is 
probably no territory in tin counties of Venango, 
Crawford and Warren which we have not visited, and 
few, if any, companies whose representations are un¬ 
known to us, while every city, village, hamlet and cross¬ 
roads is as familiar to our pilgrimage and temporary 
sojourn as could be desired for the purpose of statistical 
descriptive narration. 

The facts, scenes, incidents and personalities contained 
in these pages are therefore obtained at their proper 
sources and given with the fidelity, candor and imparti¬ 
ality which must constitute the best recommendation of 


IV. 


such a work to the general public. It directs attention 
to the most striking developments and the most attract¬ 
ive boring territory in the oil regions; it furnishes 
reliable statistics of past and present productions; it 
sketches the rise and progress and stratus of the cities 
and towns of Petrolia; it introduces the men who have 
made great the country and enriched themselves by a 
patient, laborious and legitimate industry; and offers 
some valuable hints and solid information to the inex¬ 
perienced and curious. It is proper in offering this 
little volume to the public, for its author to acknowledge 
his indebtedness for personal courtesies and assistance to 
Messrs. Edward Fox, M. C. Martin, Geo. K Anderson, 
Petroleum Centre; W. M. Cole, Funkville; William 
Spence, Bennehoff Run; J. II. Wright, Egbert Farm; 
J. W. Early, Bennehoff Run; E. C. Bishop, Pioneer 
Run; S. M. Hamilton, Stevenson Farm; C. E. Leonard, 
(Crocus,) Pithole, and to Messrs. Bloss Bros. & Cogswell, 
of the Titusville Morning Herald, a paper whose 
files have been an invaluable source of reference during 
the progress of those labors. I print but a limited 
number of copies, the larger portion of which are 
already taken by subscription. Should the demand 
exceed the supply, it may be reprinted in a more 
extended form. 

While offering our work to the “ oily public,” we are 
yet confident that it will meet with the approbation of 
financially uninterested parties. In order that their 
approbation may be more definite, we would write a 
few explanatory lines in regard to the technical terms 
and expressions: “Royalty” signifies the amount of 


V. 


oil paid to the land holders by the parties leasing. 
Companies occasionally operate or sink a well them¬ 
selves, but generally the boring is done by lessees, who 
secure their territory for a limited amount of time ; and 
for which they pay a “bonus”—this being the term used 
to express the purchase money,—which parties paying 
such moneys are considered the “ operators.” Hence a 
party who is “operating” may either buy and sell, or 
sink the well himself. “ Dry hole” does not mean that 
no oil was discovered, but usually expresses the fact 
that qjl in paying quantities has not been found. So 
the operator may have really struck oil, and yet 
abandoned the well; though indeed, if a well is said to 
have “struck,” it is equivalent to il a big thing,” or a 
good paying well for the owner. 

C. IT. HARRIS. 

Buffalo, N. Y., October, 1866 . 



\ 


Petroleum Centre, Sept. 1862.—[From Photograph furnished byj. A. Sherriff, Eeq.] 





































































































































































































Petroleum Centre, Sept. [From Photograph by J. A. Mather,Titusville. 

















































































































































THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTION. 


As a business operation the production of petroleum 
has generally been carried on wastefully. It has been 
managed even on the most unpromising oil territory 
with unthrifty methods, and it has been needlessly 
made to cost considerable sums of money by the lavish 
manner in which the affairs of the owners have been 
conducted. Whilst the association principle is the best 
for the purpose of easily raising a capital, it is not the 
most economical in results. Given a certain work to be 
performed, and let the question be whether it shall be 
done by a company or by one or two individuals, the 
means being equal in each case, and the individuals will 
be likely to do better than the association. The reason 
is evident enough, and might be rudely suggested by 
the old adage—“too many cooks spoil the broth.” 
Where there are many owners of a property, or many 
managers ot a business, accountability seems divided. 
Each man trusts a little to his fellow, and his fellow 
repeats the confidence and trusts to him. Thus, as each 
exoecfs the other to do something, as each in con- 
sequence does not do as much as he ought, instead of 
the association being benefitted by the conjunction of 
forces, it positively causes a subtraction of strength. 

9 


S. A. Barnes & Co. at Pitkole, Pa., buy and sell Oil Lands. 



GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, 


2 

Then, too, the methods of beginning operations will 
differ in the case of one or two individuals who have 
resolved to embark in the business of mining for oil, 
and of a large number of persons combined as a com¬ 
pany. The former having a large amount of money to be 
put in risk, will not part with it until they are satisfied 
that everything is right. They will not buy a piece of 
land supposed to be oil territory, hit or miss. They 
will examine it for themselves, and take the advice of 
practical men in regard to the value of the property. 
They will not take a title with their eyes shut, but they 
will have it careiully examined by good legal assistance. 
They will buy their machinery of the best manufacturers, * 
and they will personally inspect their own operations. 
They will not leave to others the settlement of the 
question, whether they shall make anything out of their 
investments—they will attend to that themselves. In 
receiving, storing, and selling oil they will act with the 
same care and economy as the pi udent merchant does 
in his business, and whatever advantage is to be gained 
by close personal attention they will have Such men 
will be able to “ go into petroleum ” and make money, 
under circumstances which would swamp a company, or 
which would lead to so trifling results that what ought 
to have been a profitable investment will scarcely yield 
a dividend. 

In the management of a corporation or association 
there are frequently many useless expenses. They are 


Oil Lands in good localities can be obtained of S. A. Barnes ■& Co. 









OFFICE No. 1 FLETCHER BLOCK, TITUSVILLE, PA. 

3 

considered necessary to keep the dignity of a company 
as a company, but they would be unnecessary in the 
business of a partnership. Many oil companies spend 
annually upon their offices and officers, upon the com¬ 
forts of their directors and clerks, and in the general 
management of affairs as would be sufficient to make up 
a considerable sum to be appropriated toward a dividend. 
Then, also, the fact that when there are many owners 
with small individual interests who are willing to accept 
all the profits of their investments, but do not even care 
if they lose, because they can afford, it, there is likely to 
be fostered among them a spirit of negligence, a feeling 
that they can “trust to luck,” which is a prolific source 
of injury, and which encourages loose management 
among: those who are considered accountable. 

These are evils which press upon all oil organizations. 
When people go into a manufacturing or producing 
business, not because they know anything about it, bat 
merely because others do so, and because it seems to 
promise a lively speculation, they must take the disad¬ 
vantages. Probably they mean to do so, but at the 
same time it must be admitted that frequently by such a 
course they do more to injure their own interests than 
they do to benefit them. 

ORIGIN OF PETROLEUM. 

(From Barman's Work on Coal , Iron and Oil.) 

Petroleum is derived from thelatin word petrci, a rock, 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


4 

and oleum , oil or rock oil, and as such, has been known 
and used to a limited extent for ages. It is generally 
supposed that rock oil exists in fissures or cracks running 
across the strata and extending obliquely or perpen¬ 
dicularly toward the surface ; but this theory is contrary 
to experience and the nature of petroleum. In the 
first place, oil is always found in certain horizons below 
a special sand rock in Yenango connty, and at a uniform 
geological depth in other localities; and in the second, 
if oil existed in fissures it would long ago have ceased 
to be oil and become solid bitumen from the escape of 
the volatile parts. In all oil producing regions the 
strata are nearly horizontal, but having a gentle inclin¬ 
ation and a basined slope; but all such basins are 
necessarily extensive, because the low angles of clip 
increase the distance between the outcrops. The natural 
position of oil in the strata is similar to that of coal. It 
occupies certain horizons between the strata, perhaps 
irregularly, but always below heavy close grained sand 
rocks, which are impervious to the escape of oil and 
almost impenetrable to the most volatile gas even under 
the highest state of tension ; were it not so but little oil 
could ever accumulate beneath them. Beneath each 
heavy sand rock of Venango and Northwestern Penn¬ 
sylvania general’y is found a soft and yielding stratum 
of shale slate and mud. In the strata the gas and oil 
find a lodgement as the first point of consideration. 
Arising through the rocks below in a gaseous condition, 


Western lands to trade for Engines by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





ATTORNEY AT LAW AND COLLECTING AGENT. 


» 


the nearer it approaches the surface the less volatile it 
becomes and is arrested by the first impervious stratum. 

The third sand rock of Venango, however, does not 
seal all the oil, the more volatile portions still find their 
wav through the third sand and even the second sand 
stones, and from limited deposits of oil between them, 
but the lower or third rock seems to held the great 
fountains of petroleum. The stratum of oil thus formed 
may not occupy a perfect geological horizon, since the 
shale in which it is formed varies in thickness and the 
oil may find a cavity in any part of it; at the bottom, 
in the middle or at the top of the stratum. Though 
the drill must invariably penetrate the covering sand 
rock, it may not tap the fountains of oil at that depth. 
It is possible that the depth of wells almost side by side 
may vary twenty or thirty feet or more to reach the 
same oil formation, A stratum of oil cannot be of 
great thickness. It may be only a few inches or one or 
even two feet thick ; thus the stratum may extend from 
ten to one hundred yards in width, and from a hundred 
yards to miles in length, or it may be even more 
limited or more extensive. It may change from a lower 
to a higher position in the shale, thus: 

2 


1 


3 5 

4 


And the drill may strike a flowing well at 4, only a 


Valuable Coal Lands for sale or lease by S. A. Barnes & Co, 











GURDGN S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


6 

limited pumping well at 3, though but a tew yards 
distant and nothing in shape of oil at 5. 

If oil existed in fissures running obliquely or perpen¬ 
dicularly to the strata, it might be found at almost any 
depth from the surface and in the most irregular manner 
without regard to sand rocks. But fissures in rocks 
existed naturally and originally as vents for the internal 
heat or gasses of the earth and generally extend to the 
surface, and were these reservoirs of oil, we cannot see 
how this light naptha could be retained since the volatile 
parts would escape through every crack or vent to the 
surface and leave nothing but bitumen as a residue. 

REPEAL OF TAX ON PETROLEUM. 

The Government tax of one dollar per barrel on crude 
petroleum was glaringly unjust and oppressive, and its 
repeal by resolution which passed both Houses of 
Congress on the 9th of May, 1866, was hailed with 
universal satisfaction throughout the oil region. Its 
beneficial effects on the producing interest were at once 
apparent. Scores of small pumping wells which had 
been abandoned as non-paying, at once resumed, and 
notwithstanding the consequent increase in the general 
production of the oil region, oil continued steadily to 
advance for several consecutive weeks, everywhere 
developement was stimulated by the repeal of the tax, 
and the people felt encouraged to greater efforts by relief 
from oppressive legislation. Messrs. G. M. Mowbray 


Coal Lands on Bear Creek R. R. for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






CONVEYANCER AND COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS. 


7 

and W. Comstock, the committee, through whose efforts 
the repeal was mainly effected, were tendered and 
accepted a complimentary supper from the citizens of 
Titusville, and the occasion was rendered memorable by 
the attendance of the principal operators and capitalists 
of the oil region. 


Average Price of Petroleum in New York 
and Philadelphia in 1884. 



Crude per Gall. 

Refi’d per Gall. 

January,. 

.31 3-16 

52 2-3 

February,. 

.30 1-4 

55 3-4 

March,. 

.31 1-4 

59 1-2 

April,. 

.37 3-10 

04 7-16 

May,. 

.38 

05 1-2 

J une,. 

.44 1-5 

77 

July,. 

.52 1-10 

-92 

August.. 


87 3-4 

September,. 

.46 7-10 

85 3-8 

October,. 

.40 2-3 

75 3-4 

November,. 

.45 7-18 

86 3-10 

December,. 

.52 3-8 

-92 9-10 

Average for 1804,. 

.41.81 

74.61 

“ “ 1803,. 

.28.13 

51.74 

Total Exports from the United States were : 


Gallons. Value from average price 

1862,. 

.10,887,701 


1803,. 

.28,250,712 

$14,616,923 

1804,. 

.31,745,087 

23,068,457 

1865,. 

.24,545,480 


January 1 to September 1, 

1800, 39,019,428 

— 

Prices of 

Oil 1885 and 1886. 

1865. 

Dollars. 

Titusville. 

September 18, at. Petroleum Centre,.5.00 

7.00 

“ 20, “ “ 

“ .7.00 

8.00 


Coal Lands on Alleg’y River and A. V. R. R. by S.-A. Barnes & Co. 

































GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


8 


1865. 


Dollars. 

Titusville, 

October 3, at Petroleum Centre,. 

..8.00 

9.00 

U If u u 

44 

..9.00 

9.50 

“ 25,’ “ “ 

44 

..8.50 

9.00 

November 15, “ “ 

44 


7.50 

December 15, “ “ 

14 

..6.75 

7.50 

January 15, “ u 

44 

..4.75 

5.50 

February 15, “ “ 

44 

..4.00 

5.00 

March 15, “ t‘ 

44 


4.00 

April 15, “ l * 

44 


4.50 

May 15, “ “ 

44 

..5.50 

6.25 

June 15, “ “ 

July 15, u 

44 


4 75 

44 


3.75 

August 15, “ “ 

44 


3.75 

September 15, “ “ 

44 


5.00 

The following table 

gives the 

price in New 

York at 

the first of each month, and the average price per month 
for the calendar year 1865: 

Crude. 

Refined, 

Refined 

Naptha 


free. 

in bond. 

refined. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

January 4.51%a52% 

93%a94 

73%a74 

53a54 

Av. for month. 49% 

90 

6913-16 

56% 

February 1.... 46a47 

85a86% 

66a67 

54a55 

Av. for month. 47% 

87% 

67 11-16 

53 9-10 

March 1.—a43 

88a89 

67a68 

55a56% 

Av. for month. 36% 

79% 

58 7-16 

51% 

April 1.33a33% 

72a73 

52a53 

45a46 

Av. for month. 36% 

72% 

52% 

47% 

May 3.88a39 

73a75 

53a55 

45a47 

Av. for month. 36% 

70 13-16 

51% 

48% 

June 3.35a— 

68a — 

48a49 

—a50 

Av. for month. 34% 

vo% 

51% 

49% 

July 1.35a— 

— a72 

52a52% 

— a50 

Av. for month. 33 

71 1-16 

52 1-16 

49% 

August 2.32%a33 

71a72 

52%a53 

45a — 

Av. for month. 32% 

71% 

52 11-16 

45% 

September 2. .31%a32 

72a73 

54a54% 

45a48 

Av. for month. 36% 

78 

59% 

48 7-16 

October 4_39a — 

S2a84 

63a64 

— a50 

Av. for month. 37% 

81 

61% 

51 1-10 

November 1. .35%a36 

78a79 

59a60 

52a54 

Av. for month. 39% 

81 15-16 

63% 

62 15-16 

December 2..41a41% 

88a90 

68a70 

52a53 


Engines, new and secondhand, for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 
























AGENT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LAND TITLES. 


9 


Crude. 

Refined, 

free. 

Refined 
in bond. 

Naptha 

refined. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

Cents. 

Av. for month. 41% 

85% 

65% 

50 

Do. 18G5.38.37% 

77.87% 

58.87% 

50.37% 

Do. 1864.41.81 

54.61 

65.03 

39.54 

Do. 18G3.28.13 

51.74 

44.15 

28.50 


WEIGHT OF OILS. 


Mr. F. Phillips, United States Inspector for the 
Twentieth District, furnishes the following facts with 
regard to the weight of oils. The difference in actual 
balance weight of refined oil, benzole and gasoline from 
petroleum, to each degree in gravity Beaume’s hydro¬ 
meter, at a temperature of 60 dcgiees, is 13-22 of 
an ounce, 258 23-44 grains avoirdupois weight. For 
example: 

COMMON BURNING OIL AT 

40 degrees gravity weighs.6 pounds 14 ounces. 

41 degrees gravity weighs.G pounds 13 9-22 ounces. 

42 degrees gravitj' weighs.6 pounds 12 18-22 ounces. 

43 degrees gravity weighs.6 pounds 12 5-22 ounces. 

44 degrees gravity weighs.6 poun ds 11 14 22 ounces. 

45 degrees gravity weighs.6 pounds 11 12-22 ounces. 

BENZOLE COMMONLY USED IN PAINTING. 

o2 degrees gravity weighs.G pounds 1 ounce. 

GASOLINE. 

70 degrees gravity weighs.5 pounds 12 6-20 ounces. 

80 degrees gravity weighs.5 pounds 6 8-20 ounces. 

90 degrees gravity weighs..5 pounds 00 10-22 ounces. 

100 degrees gravity weighs.4 pounds 10 12-22 ounces. 

3 ___-_— 

Acre Lots; % of the oil and wood privilege, by S. A. Barnes & Co. 
























GORDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 

10 

CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO. 

The first developments upon the Wash. McClmtock 
Farm were commenced in 1859, the farm which com¬ 
prises 208 acres was leased from Wash. McClintock to 
Brewer, Watson & Co., a perpetual lease was given 
which entitled them to bore and dig for oil and all other 
minerals, with a royalty of one quarter of the products. 
This was the third farm developed in the oil region at 
this time. The first producing well sunk was the “No. 
1.” at the mouth of the Wildcat hollow, a circular ravine 
of about three-fourths of a mile in length, running 
around a hogback of some 140 feet elevation. The 
well above mentioned at the depth of 350 feet, or at the 
second sand rock, was pumped and produced about 20 
barrels per day; oil was selling at $17.00 per barrel- 
The well was put down January 15, 18G0 ; after pump¬ 
ing for about a year the production gradually decreased. 
The well was abandoned for a while, until Mr. Edwin 
Fox took possession of it, and he immediately proceeded 
to sink it to the proper depth, which he considered to be 
about 640 feet. Many were the misfortunes he encount¬ 
ered in the attempt to re-sink the well, but being pos- 
sesed with that spirit of go-aheaditivness he surmounted 
the many difficulties, and after some weeks of arduous 
labor the well reached the desired depth. The size of 
the hole drilled was 3 1-2 inches, and the weight of 
the tools employed was but 250 pounds, using very small 


Choice Leases on Pithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes «fc Co. 






PAYS TAXES ON OIL LANDS AS AGENT. 


11 

gas pipe for tubing. There was a well commenced 
previous to this in rear of the Wash. McClintock house 
on the banks of Oil Creek, which was sunk to the depth 
of 40 feet, or rather 40 feet of pipe was driven, and for 
some reason it was abandoned. (Attention was next 
turned to Wildcat hollow, as above.) It was put down 
by Kier, Mitchell & Co. on sub-lease from Brewer, 
Watson & Co. Kier, Mitchell & Co. sub-leased the 
whole farm, paying to Brewer, Watson & Co. three- 
sixteenth royalty. Brewer, Watson & Co. having 
three-sixteenths, Wash. McClintock four-sixteenths of 
the oil, which left to Messrs. Kier, Mitchell & Co. nine- 
sixteenths of the whole. The old “Bluff”well, then known 
as the “ Wash. McClintock” well, was sunk by Messrs. 
Kier, Mitchell & Co , in July, 1861. At the depth of 
475 feet it commenced flowing at the rate of 800 barrels 
per day, and in placing the elbow upon the tubing the 
force of the gas threw the oil across the creek upon the 
Egbert Farm a distance of about 200 feet. At this 
time oil was sold at 25 cents per barrel. This well 
flowed until December 31, 1861, when she suddenly 
ceased. The tubing was drawn and she was sunk 25 
feet deeper, after being retubed to the depth of about 
200 feet, was then pumped for about a week, but would 
yield little or no oil. Operations were then suspended 
upon this well until May, 1862, when Mr. Fox retubed 
with 475 feet of tubing. It was then pumped for a 
period of 10 days, still it produced no oil. The sucker 


S. A. Barnes & Co., P. O. Box 52, No. 15 Holmdeb St., Pithole, Pa. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW,TITUSVILLE, PA , 

12 

rods were drawn when it commenced flowing at the 
rate ot 20 barrels per day, and at this rate it flowed for 
two years. This well was cased with two inch tubing, 
and one inch pipe introduced inside of the casing, which 
caused her to flow. After this flow had ceased, she 
was again pumped and produced about 15 barrels for six 
months, oil at this time was $5.00 per barrel; soon after 
the tubing was again drawn and she was bored 50 feet 
deeper; it was deemed advisable to ream her out to 
the size of five inches ; after all this labor upon this 
well, she was abandoned in 1865, after a few attempts 
to resuscitate her, winch were of no avail. During the 
month of January, 1801, and at the time when the 
above mentioned well ceased to flow, the firm of Kiel*, 
Mitchell & Co. suspended operations for five months, 
during which time the old “Barr” well in the centre 
of the creek was struck at a depth of 500 feet, 
and produced 50 barrels per day for nearly a year, 
diameter of the bole was 3 1-2 inches. It ceased flow¬ 
ing and was drilled to the depth of 600 feet, but never 
produced sufficient oil to pay expenses; it was then 
abandoned. When this well was struck, Mr. W. Me- 
Clintoek claimed it, as an outside piece of territory. 

The “ Burnt” well on the bank of the creek was also 
put down by Kier, Mitchell & Co. in May, 18G3, to the 
depth of 550 feet, and pumped 20 barrels per day for 
two years and a half; it ceased producing and was 
'abandoned. 



Oil men should remember No. 15 Holmden Street, Pithole, Pa. 







PERFECTS AND PRESERVES LAND TITLES. 


13 

The next well was the “Fox” well, drilled by the 
Brewer, Watson, and Kier,'Mitchell companies, and was 
struck at the depth of 560 feet, it produced 150 barrels 
per day for nearly two years; diameter of the hole was 
4 1-2 inches, flowing a year and a half and pumped lor 
six months was then abandoned. Col. Roberts is to put 
one of his Torpedoes in this well, and it is said from 
indications received at times, she will yet * be a good 
paying well. Kier, Mitchell & Co., ceased their opera¬ 
tions upon this territory, and sold all their right, title 
and interest to the New Jersey Oil Company. This new 
company purchased of Wash. McClintock the land inte¬ 
rest and commenced operations, changing the name of 
the organization to that of the Central Petroleum Com¬ 
pany and electing the following officers : 


THE CENTRAL PETROLEUM CO. 


OFFICERS. 


President. —James Bishop, 

Vice President — W. II. Breeden, 

Geo. II. Bisseld, 
Johnston Letson, 
James Bishop, 

W. II. Breeden, 

Gen’l Agent— M. C. Martin, 


Treasurer—C. Meyer, 
Secretary— Austin Stevens. 

F. Prentiss, 

A. T. Stout, 

C. Meyer, 

Josiah Oaks. 

Gen’l Supt.— Edward Fox. 


DIRECTORS. 


The farm was stocked at 5,000,000 dollars. 
Immediately upon taking possession of this property 
the Central Petroleum Company commenced making 
improvements and developing the territory. 


Business of companies attended to by S. Baraes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


14 

Fourteen wells were sunk in different localities upon 
the farm, twelve of which proved successful. “No. 1” 
produced 25 barrels per day at a depth of 550 feet. 
The largest well of the fourteen was “No. 5,” and 
produced about 100 barrels per day at a depth of 550 
feet. Ten of these old wells are still producing. In 
the fall of 1864 the Central Petroleum Company com¬ 
menced leasing their territory, which had been surveyed 
into half acre lots for oil purposes, which were rapidly 
taken. 

The first lease issued by this company was given to 
Geo. H. Clark, Esq., in the fall of 1864. Mr. Clark 
sank his wells upon his lease in Wildcat hollow. His 
first well was completed in the spring of 1865, and the 
second well was struck August 11, 1865 ; these two 
proved the most durable in this section, flowing and 
pumping about 150 barrels per day. 

In October 1868, the Central Petroleum Company 
sold at auction six acre leases, (working interest,) prices 
varying from $1000 to $2000 each; the bidding was 
quite spirited, as a number of new wells were struck 
previously to the sales, on adjoining leases. 

“Sigma,” correspondent of the Titusville Morning 
Herald of October 19, 1865 says: “The lands of the Cen¬ 
tral Petroleum Company now derive from its own and 
leased wells, about 500 barrels of oil per day and 
increasing. There are some 38 leases on this property 
to be developed at once, which will convey some idea 


Oil bought on commission by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 








ATTORNEY AT LAW AND COLLECTING AGENT. 


15 

of the strong confidence entertained in the production of 
this section ; there has been no falling off but rather an 
increase of the yield of all the wells in this vicinity.” 

The operations on this celebrated firm rapidly aug¬ 
menting the steady increase of production, no dry holes 
were found, and it attracted investments from every 
quarter. The “Hunter” well was struck in July 1865, 
the “Meyer” well No. 1, struck in October, “Swamp 
Angel” No. 3, struck also in October. The production 
of the farm at this time amounted to 700 barrels per 
day, and under the supervision of Mr. Edward Fox, to 
whom we are indebted for many valuable items for our 
work. Mr. Fox was one of the earliest pioneers in this 
section and instrumental in sinking the first wells upon 
this farm, he was appointed agent by the company when 
organized and a faithful and efficient officer and invalu¬ 
able manager he proved to be. Having charge of all 
the wells belonging to the company, we do not wonder 
at the success of the farm. 

The increase of business from the growth of a large 
city and from the increased developments of the com¬ 
pany, required an assistant to Mr. Fox in the manage¬ 
ment of the farm. In July 1865, M. C. Martin was 
appointed General Agent, taking charge of the dispo¬ 
sition of the oil and leases and controlling the finances 
of the Company In September 1866, Mr. Fox sent in 
his resignation, which left Mr. Martin in entire control 
of this property. Mr. Martin for a long time has 


General Agency business transacted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 










GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


16 * 

labored diligently to perfect the working of this territory 
and now has reduced everything to a system ; he is also 
agent and part owner of the Meyer & Breeden leases, 
of which we will again speak of. 

The following is a correct list of all the wells on this 
farm, together with the depth, average production and 
ownership. The Central Petroleum Company own and 
control the entire land interest. 

Cold Water wells “ One ” and “Two ” flowed about 
25 barrels for a short time. 

Cold Water “ No 3 ” also flowed about 25 barrels ; 
" No. 4 ” produced about the same. 

Cold Water “No. 7” produced 15 barrels ; was sunk 
during the summer of 18G4. The Cold Water Com¬ 
pany have several leases; the agent is C. S. Whitney. 

The “ Fox ” well was struck about the same time and 
created much excitement. It produced nearly 200 barrels 
daily, but gradually diminished to 50 barrels per day. 
Col. Roberts torpedoed this well and she is now pro¬ 
ducing 00 barrels. 

Geo. H. Clark’s well, “ A,” in Wildcat hollow pro¬ 
duced about 150 barrels. One of the first leases given 
by the Central Petroleum Company was taken by Mr. 
Clark, and he sank three wells upon the lease. Two 
were struck at a depth of 560 feet in the spring of 1805. 
Wells “A 1 'and“B” have proved the most durable 
wells in this section and are still producing. Mr. Clark 
is interested in many of our largest wells. 


Oil Lauds sold on commission by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 







CONVEYANCER AND COMMISSIONER OE DEEDS. 


17 

The “Saxton” well in Wildcat hollow was struck in 
November 1863, and produced about 60 barrels; was 
owned by Alfred W. Coburn, John Adams and L. D. 
Saxton. 

Well “114” was struck May 27, 1866 ; depth 534 feet, 
the first sand 205 feet : nd 34 feet thtek ; second sand 
382 feet, 12 feet thick; third sand 455 feet and 41 feet 
thick, producing 75 barrels per day, and owned by M. 
A. McDonald, Esq. of Cleveland 0., and Crane & 
Thaker, Kellners, Petroleum Centre. 

Well “No. 119” struck January 15, 1866, depth 538 
feet, producing 10 barrels daily, owned by Geo. K. 
Anderson. This will soon be Torpedoed. 

“ Dry Hole Well, 134 ” was struck in January, 1866, 
566 feet deep and is producing 50 barrels daily; owned 
by Geo. K. Anderson. This well was Torpedoed by 
Col. Koberts and improved. 

Well “ 153,” testing ; owned by J. Stambaugh, Esq. 

Well “155” struck June 26, 1866; depth 512 feet, 
produced 75 barrels daily and owned almost entirely by 
David Yanney, Esq., of Rochester. Mr. William Black¬ 
man is the Superintendent of the Yanney wells, a capable 
and efficient agent. G. R. Griffin is also interested in 
this well. Mr. Yanney should receive something more 
than a passing notice of ownerships here. 

He is one of the earliest pioneers of Petroleum Centre. 
During the early part of his oily career he met with 
many reverses in his boring and operations generally, 

4 


Wells put down by contract by S. A. Barucs Co., Pithole, Pa. 










GORDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


18 

but with that indomitable spirit which characterizes so* 
few of those seeking for wealth, he nobly combated 
every obstacle, worked bravely on with his own shoulder 
to the wheel of fortune and at last triumphed over both 
pecuniary and other difficulties, receiving for his pains 
the pleasant smile of approval from the world and a 
couple of flowing wells that soon made his depleted 
purse plethoric indeed. Ilis operations on Bennehoff 
Run were a miserable failure, and one that would have 
discouraged any one of a less sanguine temperament. 
Time and again he tested his well after re-tubing, but 
that portion of the Warner Farm was not productive. 
Petroleum Centre may well be proud of Mr. Yanney, for 
his perseverance has prompted many otheis to the her¬ 
culean and trying task. 

Lease “ 156,” being developed. Owned by E. B, 
Bailey, ot New York. 

Well “No. 159 ” struck April 9, 1866; depth 533 
feet, is at present casing ; owned by Geo. K. Anderson. 

Well “No. 160” 589 feet deep; producing 125 
barrels. Struck January 9, 1866; owned byj Geo. K. 
Anderson. Col. Roberts improved this well by his 
Torpedo. 

Well “ No. 171” 560 feet deep; struck February, 
1866 ; produced 20 barrels ; is owned by Messrs. Custar 
& Hancock. Col. Roberts’ Torpedo has been exploded 
in this well and has much improved its production. 

Well “ No. 172 ” was struck at a depth of 550 feet, 


Carpenters’ Ri^s for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 




MAKES COLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL DISTRICT. 


19 

and produced 70 barrels per day; owned almost entirely 
by Harry Derousse who is largely interested in several 
other wells. 

Well “No. 173” was struck November 25, 1865; 
depth 602 feet, producing 80 barrels daily. Geo. K. 
Anderson owns three-quarters, A. C. Hawkins one- 
quarter. Torpedoed by Col. Roberts and is now im¬ 
proving. 

Well “No. 174” was struck November 13, 3 865 ; 
depth 601 feet, producing 50 barrels daily ; Geo. K. 
Anderson owns three-quarters and A. C. Hawkins one- 
quarter. Improved by Torpedo. 

Well “ No. 175 ” was struck'August 21, 1865; depth 
590 feet; produced 125 barrels, now doing about 50 
barrels per day; owned by Geo. K. Anderson. Resus¬ 
citated by Col. Roberts’ Torpedo. 

Well “No. 178,” depth-; producing 20 barrels 

per day ; owned by T. Collins and others. 

Well “ No. 189,” producing 40 barrels, has pumped 
80 ; owned by G. W. Abbey, Esq. 

Well “No. 177” was struck March 26, 1866 ; depth 
556 feet, produced 25 daily; owned by Geo. K. 
Anderson. Improved by Col. Roberts’ Torpedo. 

Well “No. 180” was struck January 17, 1866 ; 511 
feet deep; producing 350 barrels, flowed four months; 
third sand was 38 feet thick. Stopped flowing in 
consequence of jarring tools out of “ No. 2 ” same lease, 
(“ Yanney” well.) A Torpedo was plaecd in the well; 


Driving Pipe bought arul sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


20 

after testing she was pumped two weeks, and produced 
50 barrels ; after drawing sucker-rods she commenced 
flowing at the rate of 350 barrels per day. The original 
lease was given to II. Me Walters, Esq. 

Well “Mo. 188” was struck March 15, I860; depth 
554 feet; producing 50 barrels; owned by Geo. K. 
Anderson and G, II. Clark. This well was improved by 
a Torpedo. 

Well “No. 189” was struck in January, 1866 ; depth 
543 feet. Fourteen-sixteenths of this well is owned by 
R. II. Sargent, Esq. of Coneautville, Pa. ; this well is 
producing 25 barrels per day. 

Well “ Mo. 190 ” producing finely ; the original lease 
was given to II. Me Walters, Esq. 

Well “Mo. 194” was struck in February, 1866, and 
produced 125 barrels per day; owned^. by the Atlas 
Developing Company. 

Well “No. 196” was struck in April, 1866; depth 
552 feet and produced 25 barrels per day; owned by 
Fred Hays and others. 

Well “ No. I 92 ” was struck January 26, 1866 ; depth 
526 feet; this well has produced a large quantity of oil 
and is one of the most durable wells on the farm, yet, 
very coquettish, varying from 20 to 100 barrels per day; 
she will average about 75 barrels ; owned almost entirely 
by Messrs. Arnold & Phinney, who have developed 
territory very extensively on this and other farms. 


Casing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Piiliole, Pa. 






PRACTICES IN CRAWFORD, VENANGO & WARREN CO’S. 


21 

Well “ No. 193” was struck April, 1806; 590 feet 
deep and produced 20 barrels per day; owned by 
Bishop & Eldridge. 

Well “No. 194” produced when struck 100 barrels 
per day, now doing nothing. Col. Roberts’ Torpedo 
will soon be placed in her to resuscitate. 

Well “ No. 197” (Mahafley) producing about 40 barrels 
No. 2 testing, good indications. No. 1 was struck in 
the Spring of 1866. 

The original “Anderson” well on lease 198 was struck 
August 21, 1886; depth 601 feet and flowed for six 
months at the rate of 200 barrels per day, then dimi¬ 
nished but was lately Torpedoed by Col. Roberts and is 
now doing about 50 barrels. No. 2 on the same lease- 
was struck December 13, 1865 ; depth 636 feet and 
producing 50 barrels daily; the well has been Torpedoed 
by Col. Roberts. No. 5 on above lease is in process of 
sinking, the diameter of the hole is eight inches and is 
now down 500 feet. The lease and wells are owned by 
Geo. K. Anderson. 

Well “ No. 207,” testing; owned by [Tarry Derousse 
of Philadelpia, one of our pioneers; depth 567 feet ; 
good indications for a big well. 

Well “No. 210” was struck January 19, 1866 ; depth 
584 feet; produced 50 barrels daily; owned by Geo. K. 
Anderson. A Torpedo increased the production. 


Tubing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


22 

Well “No. 211” was struck in May, 1866; owned by 
S. L. Sherman, E. Fox and M. 0. Martin; producing 
80 barrels. 

Well “No. 212’' was struck in December, 1865; 
owned by Geo. K. Anderson, M. C. Martin, Edward 
Fox, and II. Me Walters; depth of well 92 feet ; 
first sand 238 feet deep and 42 feet thick; second 
sand 391 feet deep and 7 feet thick; third sand 
518 feet deep and 48 feet thick. This well was Tor¬ 
pedoed and is now doing 50 barrels. 

Well “No. 213” was struck in May, I860; depth 
556 feet; produced 90 barrels ; drilled by Geo. Harris 
and owned by Howard Bishop of New York, and J. R. 
Eldridge of Rochester 

Well “No. 214” was struck in August, 1866; depth 
670 feet; testing. 

Well “No. 215” was struck April 20, 1866, and is 
producing 75 barrels per day. The manner in which 
the owners of this well conduct their affairs is indeed 
praiseworthy and is entitled to a passing notice. Messrs. 
Phinney & Arnold were among the early operators 
and have sunk several wells upon this and other territory. 
They have been very successful in each attempt. Their 
wells are easy of access and their facilities for shipping 
the oil cannot be excelled, as their business is conducted 
in a systematic manner. 

Well “No. 216” produced 50 barrels; depth 560 feel; 
owned by Mahaffey & Co. 


Stationary Engines, cheap at S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 







SOLDIERS’ CLAIM AND PENSION AGENT. 


23 

Well “No. 217” is owned by the Atlas Developing 
Company ; testing. 

Well “ No. 218.” Lease not developed ; one well on 
the lease; tools fast; the lease is owned by Thomas 
Frothingham, who will sink another well immediately. 
Well down 200 feet. 

Well “No. 220 ” was struck in February, 1866; 
produced 125 barrels; now producing 50 barrels per 
day; owned by the Atlas Developing Company; S. C. 
Stewart is Agent and Superintendent of the Company. 

Well “No. 221” was struck duly 15, 1866; depth 
642 feet; produced 100 barrels actual measurement; 
lifteen-sixteenths owned by R. H. Sargent, Esq. 

Well “No. 282 ” was struck July 4, 1866 ; depth 640 
feet; produced 15 barrels daily ; owned by George K. 
Anderson. This well has been cased and she is now 
improving. 

Well “ No. 233 ” was struck March 2, 1866 ; depth 
560 feet. Well “No. 2,” on the same lease, was struck 
September 11, 1866; diameter of hole six inches; 
depth 616 feet; both produced about 50 barrels and are 
owned by George K. Anderson. 

Well “No. 234;” depth 592 feet and producing 80 
barrels; struck May 13, 1866 ; owned by Charles E. 
Hart, G. 14. Griffin, and others. Mr. Charles E. Hart, 
of Rochester, N. Y., is also part owner of the Morrison 
Farm, and is actively engaged in developing territory 
in this section. 


S. A. Barnes & Co. at Pithole, Pa., buy and sell Oil Lands. 






GU11D0N S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


24 

Well “No. 235 ”—“ Giastacutis”—was struck March 
16, 1866; depth 623 leet, and is pumping 75 barrels 
per day; owned by C. S. Whitney, Esq., and others. 

Well “No. 236 ” is producing 60 barrels; owned by 
Ferris & Sweet. 

Well “No. 245” is now producing 80 barrels. Col. 
Roberts increased the production 40 barrels per day by 
his torpedo ; depth 625 feet; owned by Z. Ferris, Esq., 
of East Hamburg, N. Y. 

Well “No. 249” was struck-, and is producing 

50 barrels; owned by C. E. Hart and G. It. Griffin, of 
Koch ester, N. Y. 

Lease “No 270”—“Old Maid Well”—was stiuck 
in June, 1866; produced 60 barrels; owned by O. M. 
Moore and Charles E. Hart, of Rochester, N. Y., who 
have dealt very extensively in the developments of this 
and other territory. Mr. Hart is also largely interested 
in the Morrison Farm which has lately given good indi¬ 
cations of being valuable territory. 

Well “ No. 271 ;” depth 653 feet; produced 75 bar¬ 
rels ; struck June, 1866 ; owned by Messrs. Palmer, I). 
Bullock and C. W. Smith. 

Well “ No. 272 ;” depth 635 feet; struck in February, 
1866 ; produced 20 barrels ; will torpedo this well soon; 
is owned by Z. Ferris. 

Well “ No. 280 ;” de; th 635 feet; first sand 282 feet; 
54 feet thick ; second sand 445 feet; 8 feet thick ; third 


Acre Lots; % of the oil and wood privilege, by S. A. Barnes & Co. 










PREPARES ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS 


25 

sand 563 feet; 40 feet thick ; struck in April, 1866, and 
produced 40 barrels per day; owned by M. A. Mc¬ 
Donald, Dr. M. G. Egbert and W. W. Marshall. 

Well “ No. 281 ” is producing 80 barrels and is owned 
by M. Cooks, Esq., of New Haven, Conn., and others. 

Well “No. 282” was struck April 20, 1866 ; depth 
662 feet; first sand 335 feet; 57 feet thick; second 
sand 455 feet and 7 feet thick; third sand 512 feet 
and 46 feet thick; produced 50 barrels per day, and is 
owned by M. A. McDonald and others, 

Well “No. 284” was struck February 5, 1866 ; depth 
710 feet. This well w T as torpedoed by Colonel Roberts 
with beneficial results, and is producing 40 barrels daily ; 
owned by George K. Anderson. 

Lease No. 303 ” is owned by E. B. Sankey; not 
yet developed. 

Well “No. 304” was struck in March, 1866, and is 
producing 40 barrels daily ; owned by Messrs. Springer 
& Loder. First sand 150 feet; second sand 465 feet; 
third sand 630 feet feet; total depth 666 feet. 

Well “No. 305 ” was struck April 26, 1866; depth 
659 feet; producing 30 barrels daily ; owned by Geo. 
K. Anderson, Esq. The well 'was torpedoed by Colonel 
Roberts and greatly improved. 

Well “No. 306 ” was struck May 12, 1866; depth 
640 feet; producing 50 barrels daily ; owned by Geo. 
K. Anderson. 

Well “ No. 307 ” was struck August 25, 1866 ; depth 

5 


General Agency business transaeted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, 


26 

634 feet and is producing 15 barrels per day. Another 
well is in progress; present depth 380 feet; owned and 
superintended by H. B. Kreitzer and others. 

Well “No. 312” was finished in September, 1866, and 
is producing 40 barrels per day ; owned by C. Meyer 
and M. C. Martin. 

Well “No. 315 depth 315 feet; struck July, 1866, 
and is producing 15 barrels per day; owned by M. 
Brown son & Co. 

Well “No. 314” was struck in April, 1866; depth 

680 feet; producing-barrels per day ; owned by 

J. H. Carothers. 

Well “No. 330” was struck-; depth 702 feet; 

producing 25 barrels per day; owned by Evans & 
Gordon, who are heavily interested in wells on the John 
Bennehoff Farm. The original lease was given to H. 
Me Walters. 

Well “No. 331;” depth 719 feet; producing 30 
birrels per day ; struck in May, 1869 W. W. Marshall 
& Co. are the owners, and R. C. Coulter is the Agent. 

Well “No. 436;” depth 735 feet; struck in Febru¬ 
ary, 1866; produced 30 barrels per day; now not 
producing; Colonel Roberts will torpedo this well soon ; 
is owned by W. M. Cole and M. B. Greene; original 
lease given to H. M. McWalters, Esq. ; superintended 

and controlled bv James Adams. 

•/ 

Well “No. 337;” depth 738 feet; struck in March, 


Choice Leases on Pithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes & Co. 








EMPLOYS PROMPT AND FAITilFUL COLLECTING AGENTS 


27 

1866; producing 15 barrels per day; a torpedo will be 
placed in her; owned by W. M. Cole and M. B. Greene. 

Well “No. 348;” depth 768 feet and is producing 30 
barrels per day ; struck in June, 1866 ; owned by J. S. 
McCray, W. W. Marshall and It. C. Coulter. 

The “Myers Leases” embrace eleven lots on the 
Central Petroleum Company’s Farm and are owned by 
C. Meyer, J. It. Ford, W. II. Breeden, and others, of 
New York, and M. C. Martin and Edward Fox, of Pe¬ 
troleum Centre, and are managed by M. C. Martin. 
There are seven wells finished and producing, together 
about 175 barrels daily. The first well is “ No. 1,” on 
lease “No. 142,” and was finished September 28, 1865. 
It produced about 60 barrels per day, flowing for several 
months, but during the winter diminished to about 10 
barrels per day. A torpedo was placed in her which 
increased the production to about 35 barrels per day. 

Well “No. 2,” on lease “ No. 150,” was struck Oct. 
20, 1865, and has been producing one year, doing as 
much as when first struck. 

Well “ No. 3,” lease “ No. 199,” was struck about 
the 20th of November, 1865, and the average produc¬ 
tion will amount to 50 barrels per day. 

Well “ No. 4,” on lease “ No. 200,” commenced 
testing in January, 1866, is now producing about 25 
barrels per day. 

Well “ No. 5,” on lease “No. 201/’ was struck Feb¬ 
ruary 1, 1866, and is producing about 40 barrels per day. 


Oil bought, on commission by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


28 

Well “No. 6,” on lease “No. 182,” was completed in 
April, 1866, and has had an average production of about 
35 barrels per day. 

Well “No. 7,” on lease “No.-,” commenced 

testing in July, 1866, and proves a very remunerative 
well. 

This company of enterprising operators and owners 
of the above leases have been very successful, having 
paid the stockholders twenty-five per cent, of the capital 
back in cash, besides accumulating property— i. e ., en¬ 
gines, tanks, houses, and machinery of all kinds, in good 
repair—to the amount of twice the capital invested ; 
also paying the Government tax last winter to the 
amount of more than twenty-five per cent of their capital. 

The “Breeden Leases ” embrace the entire working 
interest in the four leases. Nos. 313, 332, 333, 334, 
and 1-4 free interest in the oil produced from leases 
“ No. 155 and 180.” They are owned by W. A. Bree¬ 
den and C. Meyer, of New York, and M. C. Martin, 
Edward Fox, and others, of Petroleum Centre. 

Their first well, on lease “ No. 334,” was finished 
about the 1st of February and is doing finely. 

Well “No. 2,” on lease “No. 332,’’ was tested in the 
latter part of February, and “No. 3,” on lease “No. 
333,” in April, 1866. 

From these three wells, (and their free interest in 
155 and 180,) they have paid back the original capital 
and have but just commenced operations. 


S. A. Barnes & Co., P. O. Box 52, No. 15 Holmden St., Pithole, Pa. 





OIL AND MINING CHARTERS PROCURED OR MODIFIED. 


29 

Well “ No. 4,” is now being drilled on lease “ No. 
313,” and is down about 550 feet. 

“ Hap Hazard Well ” was struck in the Spring of 
1865, and produced 25 barrels ; owned by P. Pearsall, 
Capt. Hull and others ; now not producing. 


GERMANIA OIL COMPANY. 

Colonel Otto Harrhause is agent, and operating on the 
McAlmott Farm, Wildcat Hollow, adjoining the Central 
Petroleum Company’s Farm. They have several wells 
producing. 

“ No. 1 ” flowed two years; now being pumped ; is 
602 feet deep. 

“ No. 2 ” is 502 feet in depth. 

“No. 3” is 555 feet in depth. The Colonel has 
placed one of his own torpedoes in No. 3, which was 
supposed to be a dry hole, but is now producing aud is 
a good well. Colonel H. is also interested in No. 5, 
Hyde & Egbert Farm. 

The “ Eagle ” well was struck in 1863 and flowed 80 
barrels per day. 

The “ Eagle No. 2 ” pumped 35 barrels per day, now 
doing nothing. 

“Young Hickory” was struck on the 4th of July, 
1865; flowed 100 barrels yellow oil per day; now 
pumping about 40 barrels per day. 


Valuable Coal Lands for sale or lease by S. A. Barnes & Co. 




GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, FA., 


30 

THE FIRST FIRE. 

At or about 10 o’clock Saturday morning, September 
2d, 1865, a disastrous fire occurred at the Anderson 
wells on this farm. It is said to have originated from a 
spark being struck from the sand stone while workmen 
were engaged in excavating a bed for a new oil tank. 
The gas igniting, instantaneously an oil tank near by 
was wrapped in flames. This tank contained 300 barrels 
of oil, and two tubes were discharging oil into it at the 
time from the Anderson wells. The occupants of the 
engine houses had a narrow escape, a sheet of flame 
darting with lightning speed into the buildings as soon 
as the fire caught. Their clothes were burned but they 
sustained no serious injuries. The engine houses and 
one derrick of both wells were entirely destroyed, and 
both engines ruined. When the tank of the Anderson 
well burst, the oil ran down the ravine in a perfect flood 
offire and communicnted with well No. 2, destroying the 
engine, engine house and derrick, and tanks containing 
200 barrels of oil. No. 2 is about forty feet below the 
Anderson wells. The desolating stream poured still 
further down the ravine, and in one moment of time the 
new refinery of Timothy Collins, located about ten rods 
from well No. 2, was on fire. It was rapidly consumed, 
including 300 barrels of refined oil. Mr. Collins’ crude 
oil being tanked at a distance escaoed destruction. 
From this point the furious element swept down to the 


S. A. Barues & Co. have leases near National well on Fithole Creek. 






CONVEYANCER and commissioner of deeds. 


31 

B. S. oil refinery, one hundred feet below the Collins re¬ 
finery, burning up two tanks containing about 50 barrels 
of crude oil. At this stage of its progress there was 
imminent danger of the destruction of the town. Con¬ 
siderable alarm was felt by the citizens of Petroleum 
Centre for the safety of their lives and property. The 
people turned out in great numbers and labored vigor¬ 
ously in erecting dams across the ravines. Finally, after 
constructing six or seven successive embankments of 
stones and mud, the downward progress of the devouring 
fiames was arrested at a point within ten feet of well No. 
11. belonging to the Central Petroleum Company, 
where there were 1000 bairels of oil. The fire was 
thus subdued and held in check at 2 o’clock in the 
afternoon after raging with uncontrollable violence for a 
period of four hours. 

The spectacle is described as fearfully magnificent, 
resembling the flash and roar of artillery. A dense 
column of smoke rose a thousand feet in the air and 
attracted attention for many miles around. 

The Anderson wells belonged entiiely to George K. 
Anderson, Esq., and they were the result of his first 
investment. Well No. 2 belonged to the Central Pe¬ 
troleum Company. The loss was estimated as follows : 
George K. Anderson, $3,000; Central Petroleum Cm, 
$3,000 ; Mr. Collins, $5,000. 


Western lands to trade for Engines by 8. A. Barnes & Co. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


32 

GEORGE K. ANDERSON. 

In referring to Mr. George K. Anderson as an opera¬ 
tor, the author speaks from personal knowledge of that 
gentleman, and of his connection with the oil develop¬ 
ment of this region. No individual or company have 
accomplished an equal amount of labor within the same 
period of time, or have conducted their business with 
more intelligence, system and devotion 

Mr. Anderson arrived at the Tarr Farm in October, 
1864, and assumed charge of the Story Farm Oil Co., 
as general Superintendent, in which responsible position 
he continued until July, 1865, at a salary of $3,000 per 
year. Conceiving the idea of doing business for himself, 
he tendered his resignation to his employers, which they 
declined to accept. Without severing, therefore, his 
connection with this company, he commenced his indi¬ 
vidual enterprise by sinking two wells upon lease No. 
198, purchased by him of the Central Petroleum Co., 
taking to himself the entire working interest. Both of 
these wells were successful, and Mr. A. in consequence, 
found himself the possessor of a handsome income of 
$1,400 per day. 

This success was followed by others of the same kind, 
his developments on new leases turning out equally 
favorable. At one time his producing wells were twelve 
in number, but he still continued sinking additional 
ones. Having on hand the general paraphernalia for 


Oil Lands in good localities can be obtained of S. A. Barnes & Co. 





HAS THE BEST FORMS FOR OIL LEASES & ASSIGNMENTS. 


33 

boring, he is able to sink wells at a comparatively low 
figure, ordering the articles required from eastern mar¬ 
kets by the quantity. Mr. Anderson’s wells at present 
number over thirty, while the additional number in 
which he is interested exceeds a hundred. His prudent 
management and extent of his operations enable him to 
sink wells at one-half or one-fourth the cost that it does 
parties operating on a small scale. Already his individual 
disbursements exceeds $200,000, and his outlay for other 
$100,000, aside from the thousands he has paid for taxes 
and general improvements. The wells which he owns 
and in which he is interested have already yielded a 
product of 160,000 barrels. In bank, railroad, coal 
mining and oil stocks, he has cleared over $50,000 this 
year. His employees are all practical men and command 
the highest wages. His boss drillers, Jacob and John 
Xffs, are pioneer oil miners; men who were acquainted 
with the best methods and latest improvements in their 
difficult business ; they each receive a salary of $3,500 
a year for their services, in addition to a comfortable 
cottage and its appurtenances—gas and fuel free of rent. 
Mr. Anderson’s office, situated upon the table-land north 
of Petroleum Centre, is a fine structure, and cost for 
building and furnishing $7,000. The surrounding 
grounds are neatly turfed and terraced and enclosed by 
a chain fence. Colonel J. Adams Vera has the general 
supervision of the office and enjoys the comfortable 
salary of $2,500 per year. His position is no sinecure 
6 


Coal Lands on Alleg’y River and A. V. Ii. R. by S. A. Barnes & Co. 








GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


34 

and only a person of systematic industry and powers of 
rapid execution could discharge his duties. The Col. 
is also favored with a furnished house besides his salary 
by Mr. Anderson. A carpenter and machine shop, with 
forge and engine, is situated between the office and 
dwellings. Mr. George Lamb, a practical mechanic, is 
the superintendent of this department and enjoys a 
salary of $2,500 per annum. Another dwelling house 
is in course of erection for A. C. Hawkins, Esq., the 
General Agent and Superintendent. Mr. Hawkins has 
in his employ over 125 men at present, (the number was 
at one time 200,) each man receiving his wages every 
Monday night. Mr. II. is the owner of several produc¬ 
ing interests which is paying him a handsome dividend. 
A shrewd, careful financier, enjoys the confidence of 
Mr. Anderson to the fullest extent and receives a salary 
of $3,500 per annum, which he well earns by the faith¬ 
ful discharge of his responsible duties. Mr. Anderson’s 
career is full of encouragement to young men. Hi3 
capital at the commencement would all have been ab¬ 
sorbed in a sixteenth interest in a dry hole at the present 
prices, but with the accession of fortune he has not 
contracted selfish or parsimonious habits. He has been 
liberal in his donations to public objects, religious, social 
and municipal, and has always extended a helping hand 
and a word of cheer to young men in pursuit of 
employment. 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






MAKES COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL REGIONS. 



F. PRENTISS, 

Of New York city, and one of the Directors of the 
Central Petroleum Company, was at one time owner of 
the Wash. McClintock Farm, and now one of its most 
extensive stockholders. He was among the first to 
emigrate here for the purpose of developing oil territory. 
In each undertaking success crowned his efforts. 

It. It. TAYLOR. 

In January, 1866, Mr. Taylor erected two large tanks 
on the banks of Oil Creek and in the centre of this city, 
and the capacity of each is 2,500 barrels, making con¬ 
nections with pipes from all the principal wells on the 
Stevenson and McClintock farms. During the mouths of 
September and October, 1866, his daily shipments 
amounted to about 4,000 barrels of oil per day. He is 
one of the most successful oil shippers in this section. 
The large platforms on the banks of the creek are con¬ 
stantly filled with oil barrels, and boats are constantly 
moving up and down the channel. By. Whited, an 
active and energetic agent, is also interested with Mr. 
Taylor in the buying of oil from the different wells on 
Oil Creek. For a long time Messrs. Taylor & Whited 
have controlled the shipping of most of the oil from 
this point. 


Coal Lands on Bear Creek R. R. for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


36 

H. Me WALTERS 

Is one of the most energetic operators in the oil 
regions, and one of the early pioneers, and at one time 
secretary to George K. Anderson, Esq., and interested 
in several of the Anderson wells; also interested in 
several leases which he procured from the Central Pe¬ 
troleum Company. He has been very successful in all 
his undertakings. 

W. M. COLE AND M. B. GREENE 

Are among the early operators upon the Central Petro¬ 
leum Company’s Farm. Having procured several valuable 
leases they proceeded to develop them. The “ High¬ 
lands,” in close proximity to the famous wells on the 
Stevenson Farm, are at this time eagerly sought after, 
and the bonuses demanded were of a high figure. 
Messrs. Cole & Greene secured two leases, Nos. 336 and 
337, and struck two wells. Mr. Cole is heavily inter¬ 
ested in many producing wells, and for his admirable 
business tact has been amply rewarded. 

A. G. MEYERS, 

One of the oldest operators upon the creek—a gen¬ 
tleman who has dealt extensively in developing oil 
territory and sinking wells. On the Widow McClintock 
Farm he has been interested in the following wells: 
The famous “ Painter well ” “ Georgianna,” “ Fernan- 


Oil Lands sold on commission by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 








PERFECTS AND PRESERVES TITLES TO OIL LANDS. 

37 ' 

dina,” and the>“ Merry Mack.” On the Rynd Farm he 
was interested in the “Yam Hill,” “Idaho” and “ Iron¬ 
sides ;” on Cherry Tree Run in the “High Daddy.” On 
Bennehoff, Stevenson, Central Petroleum Company’s 
and Egbert farms, he is widely known as having em- 
planted a derrick and sunk the irons deep into the earth 
for the golden fluid. In Pithole, Sugar Creek, Hickory 
and Cherry Tree Run he has also been interested. But 
few operators are so familiar with the “ lay of the land ” 
as Mr. Meyers. He has quietly operated and finally 
settled in Titusville, doing an extensive business. 

JOHN A. COTJTANT, 

One of the firm of Smith & Coutant of Pithole and Pe¬ 
troleum Centre, an enterprising gentleman is largely 
interested in many of the largest wells in this vicinity. 
Messrs. Smith Coutant have branch offices in Titus¬ 
ville, Pithole and all other prominent cities in the oil 
regions. While Pithole was rejoicing in the multiplicity 
of business, the firm became interested in many of the 
best leases, realizing a large fortune. 

Z. FERRIS’ REFINERY, 

Bennehoff Bun, Central Petroleum Company's Farm. 
Mr. Ferris, as partner in the firm of Baker, Ferris & 
Parker, commenced the business of oil refining on the 
Central Petroleum Company’s Farm. After several 


Business of companies attended to by S. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


38 

months of a flourishing business, the refinery was des¬ 
troyed by fire. Mr. Ferris immediately sought other 
quarters to rebuild, and in May, 1866, he bought a large 
building, erected his stills and commenced business near 
the mouth of Bennehoff Run. His refinery is one of 
the largest on the creek, capable of running off 150 
barrels of refined oil per week. His refinery is supplied 
principally from the crude he receives from his own 
wells on the Central Petroleum Company’s Farm, re¬ 
cently resuscitated by Colonel Roberts’ Torpedo. 

THE AMERICAN OIL WORKS, 

Of Crane, Thacker & Rankin, commenced the business 
of refining oil in April, 1865. It is one of the largest 
oil refineries on the creek; the capacity of the stills are 
forty-seven barrels, of which there are four, and capa¬ 
ble of running off 425 barrels of refined oil per week. 
There are some companies operating upon the creek as 
oil refiners having greater facilities, still the dividends 
declared proportionately do not equal those of this firm. 
The refinery has been burned several times, though its 
owners are still doing a flourishing business. 

* • r'* 

BARTLETT & NEWTON. 

The large refinery owned by these gentlemen was 
erected in December, 1863, and is one of the oldest 
refineries on the creek. The refined oil which is 
shipped from this manufactory is not excelled; the 


Valuable Coal Lauds for sale or lease by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






EASTERN, WESTERN AND LOCAL REFERENCES GIVEN. 


39 

gravity of it is that ot the best. They are capable of 
running off several hundred barrels of refined oil per 
week. Their daily shipments are large and for the past 
three years have done an extensive business. 

PETROLEUM CENTRE, 

Viewed in a commercial light, is, in all probability, un¬ 
equaled by any other petroleum mart, Titusville not 
excepted. In regard to its facilities for transporting the 
products of adjoining lands—of its great fields of labor 
and wealth, and its general resources — its peculiar 
central location, its superior advantoges over other towns 
adjacent as producing territory, volumes might be 
written. 

It is not the intention of the author to enter into any 
disquisition upon the different stratas, the formation of 
shales, fissures, belts, channels, and their courses ; nor 
to perpetrate any geological profundities in the shape of 
theories. 

In the year 18G0 the first well was struck. Previous 
to this the place bore no name but the Wash. Mc- 
Clintock Farm. Two old farm houses in a wild, desolate 
spot, hemmed in by rough, craggy, barren mountains, 
at whose base wound a small, sluggish, dirty stream 
known as Oil Creek. 

The McClintocks appeared to have lived here for 
many years, following the usual agricultural pursuits, 
they plodded on from year to year and generation to 


S. A. Barnes & Co., P. O. Box 52, No. 15 Holmclen St., Pithole, Pa, 








GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


40 

generation in ignorance ot the caverns of wealth under¬ 
lying their fields and pastures. In an old graveyard on 
the table land north of the business portion of the city 
and near the present site of the Catholic Church, are four 
or five tombstones bearing the name of McClintock, some 
of which date back as early as the middle of the seven¬ 
teenth century. This was, no doubt, the family burial 
ground. 

After the “ oil upon the waters” was found in different 
springs above and below this farm, operations were 
begun to secure it for other than medicinal purposes, 
for, indeed, the Indians and early settlers used it only 
for physical complaints. 

The farm was purchased in 1859 by a party of gen¬ 
tlemen from New York for a few hundred dollars, and 
the developments at once commenced. Being nearly or 
about half way between Titusville and Oil City, the 
company gave it the name of Petroleum Centre, while 
their organization was chartered as the Central Petro¬ 
leum Company of New York. The Maple Shade Oil 
Company of Philadelphia, partial owners of the Hyde 
& Egbert Farm, joined with the Central Petroleum Co. 
in erecting a substantial bridge across the creek, which 
divided the two farms. This was completed in the fall 
of 1863, and proved a decided accommodation to every 
person doing business at that point, for in the Spring 
and Fall the water is generally so high that fording is 
impossible. Before the bridge, crossing the creek on 


Oil men should remember No. 15 Holmden Street, Pithole, Pa. 




CONVEYANCER AND COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS. 

41 

Franklin street in Titusville, was built, gentlemen doing 
business on the north side were often compelled to go 
eleven miles before they could cross the creek. When 
we consider the condition of the highways in oildorado 
during these wet seasons, it will appear no pleasant 
undertaking, particularly to pedestrians, for, indeed, in 
those days a comfortable vehicle could not be obtained. 

Unlike Pithole, the growth of Petroleum Centre has 
been slow and sure and established itself against all 
opposition from other sources. ITer wells, generally, 
have been of long duration—mostly pumping—and paid 
a good dividend to the owners. Many instances are 
cited in another part of the book. The place has been 
almost entirely free from fires, there never having occur¬ 
red but two, viz: the old Evans House, in the Spring 
of ’G5, and The Old Homestead, in August, 18GC. It 
speaks volumes for the prudential management of its 
citizens, and it is worthy of remark that while Titusville, 
Pithole, Plumer, Oil City, Shaffer, and, in fact, nearly 
every other place of note, has suffered severely, Petro¬ 
leum Centre has escaped this destructive element. 

In June, 18G4, the United States Telegraph Company 
established an office in the upper story of the Old Home¬ 
stead, occupied principally by Bishop k Elclridge as 
commercial brokers, exchange agents, etc., theirs being 
the first regular office opened in town, aside from the 
Central Petroleum and Maple Shade Company’s. In 
September, 1864, the United States Company opened a 

7 


Oil bought on commission by h. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 










GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


42 

telegraph office at the Rochester House, then a very 
small affair, but “ first class,” and doing an immense 
business. Petroleum Centre at this time had a popula¬ 
tion of about 500 permanent inhabitants, though the 
floating population often made it 1500. 

In October, 1864, the citizens succeeded in getting a 
Post Office established, when Clinton Robson, Esq. 
was appointed to fill the position of Postmaster. Doing 
business as a hardware merchant, Mr. R. delivered the 
mail from a little shanty attached to his store on Wash¬ 
ington street, to the anxious ones who would await its 
distribution outside, often standing in the mud nearly 
to their boot-tops. In April, 1866, the position so well 
filled by Mr. R. was resigned, and Mr. II. E. Blackmon, 
of Buffalo, by a unanimous request of the citizens, was 
appointed in his place. Mr. B. had the office removed 
nearly opposite to the Wash. McClintock House, where 
it still remains. 

In the early part of 1865 the citizens secured the 
services of Rev. J. J. Marks for religious worship, and 
subsequently the Rev. E. A. Squires also settled there and 
divine service was generally held in an old refinery 
building, or a rough board shanty used for steaming bar¬ 
rels, south of what is known as the “ hog back ” and 
near the crystal spring. In pleasant weather this subs¬ 
titute for a church answered very well, but when 
inclement the storm beat in through the cracks on all 
sides and through the shaky old board roof. Many, in 


Western lands to trade for Engines by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






PRACTICES IN CRAWFORD, VENANGO & WARREN CO’S. 


43 

fact the greater portion of our business men, had sent 
for their families by that time The Central Petroleum 
Company generously donated the land for three churches 
and steps were immediately taken to elect the buildings 
by subscription. To-day the Centre has a Presbyterian, 
Methodist and Catholic edifice. Having no borough 
charter the people could not be taxed for public im¬ 
provements but gave voluntarily and freely. 

During the past summer the Central Petroleum Co. 
erected an iron tank capable of storing 10,000 barrels of 
oil, situated in close proximity to the Farmers’ Railroad 
where large and commodious platforms are being erected 
by the company. 

All the sink-holes have been filled, and a thorough 
system of drainage instituted. The streets are all filled 
with stone and gravel to the depth of several feet, and, 
being graded, presents a fine appearance, together with 
fine sidewalks, the officers of the Central Petroleum Co. 
defraying one-half of the expenses. 

In September, 1866, tho American Express Company 
opened an office here under the management of E. C. 
Richardson. Heretofore all the express business had 
been done at Shaffer Farm, now Dennison. The mer¬ 
chants, producers, or other parties ordering per express, 
were compelled to await high water in the creek or risk 
having their packages burst open or otherwise injured 
by careless teamsters who they employed to go for them. 
The completion of the Oil Creek Railroad from the East 


Choice Leases on Pithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes & Co. 










GURDON 8. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW^TITUSVILLE, PA., 


44 

and the Farmers’ Railroad from the West, with the 
establishment of offices here, obviates this. These two 
roads are benefiting and improving the Centre every 
day, and, though late in their completion, are still 
appreciated. 

The United States Revenue Office was opened here 
during the Spring of 1866. Mr. E. J. Ross is the As¬ 
sistant Assessor. Faithful in the performance of his 
duties ha soon won the esteem of the citizens. 

In September, 1865, Esquire Thomas Donaghy, a 
Justice of the Peace at Pluraer, was induced to re* 
move his office to the Centre. Establishing himself at 
the foot of Washington on Main street, the “squire” 
attends to the duties of his new official position in a 
manner worthy of commendation. He has already made 
a host of friends, while his style of dealing out “justice” 
appears to give general satisfaction. 

While speaking of the laws and its officers it is appro¬ 
priate that mention be made of Deputy Sheriff Peter 
Kenney, who came to Petroleum Centre in 1864, from 
Philadelphia. For many years Mr. Kenney served in 
the regular army, doing most effective service in what¬ 
ever department he might be placed. After he left the 
service, with the very best recommendations, he went to 
Philadelphia and was engaged by the Mayor of the city 
as a special policoman and detective. That he gave 
entire satisfaction and rendered efficient services there, 
his vouchers from the Mayor and other prominent and 


8. A. Barnes <& Co. have leases near National wel! on Pitholc Creek. 








HAS THE BEST FORMS FOR OIL LEASES & ASSIGNMENTS. 


45 

influential men, can testify. In the Fall of 1864, Dr. 
Egbert sent to Philadelphia for a trustworthy and re¬ 
sponsible man to act as watchman and detective for the 
Maple Shade Oil Company. Mr. K. was requested to 
accept the position and did so. Shortly after his arrival 
lie received the appointment from Franklin of Deputy 
Sheriff. Almost up to the present time he has been the 
only officer in Petroleum Centre, and has been engaged 
in ferreting out several notorious offenders and effecting 
the arrest of culprits. 

THE FARMERS’ RAILROAD. 

This road was commenced about the 1st day of June, 
1866, and completed in October, 1866. Its terminus is 
at Petroleum Centre and Oil City, a distance of about 
eight miles. The difficulties encountered in constructing 
this road were of no ordinary character, but it was 
prosecuted with an energy and perseverance which 
yielded to no obstacles. Beginning at Petroleum Centre 
on the Central Petroleum Company’s Farm, the road 
passes through the Dalzell, Story, Tarr, Blood, Rynd, 
John McUlintock, Buchannan, (Rouseville ) Ham Mc- 
Clintock, (McClinto.ckville,) Clapp, Graff, Ilassan & Co.s 
Farms, terminating at Oil City. The Reno & Pithole 
Railroad intersect the Farmers’ at Rouseville. The 
Cherry Run Branch of the Farmers’, extending to Plum- 
er, also diverges at Rouseville. The advantages to be 
derived from this new and important line of travel are 


Tubing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes &, Co., Pithole, Pa. 






GUKDQN S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


46 

beyond all calculation. The passenger traffic is large 
and remunerative. Oil City, at the mouth of Oil Creek, 
offers diverging lines of travel by rail and steam, and 
the city will derive no mean advantages from this new 
link of commerce with the heart of the oil regions. 

They have in course of erection several fine depots at 
each point or station ; also large and commodious freight 
houses nearly completed. The officers are gentlemen 
long experienced in railroad business. That the Farm¬ 
ers’ Railroad will theiefore prove a remunerative invest¬ 
ment to its owners is too obvious to require argument. 

W. H. Coffin, President; Major J. W. Hatfield, 
General Superintendent; Messrs. J. W. Hatfield, E. 
Garland and Bayard Taylor are the conductors, gentle¬ 
men of long experience in railroad matters, and well 
qualified for the positions. Since the completion of this 
railroad to this point, great improvements and altera¬ 
tions have been made in the appearance of nearly every 
building in the city. 

BUSINESS OF PETROLEUM CENTRE. 

G. W. Allen’s House was the former homestead of G. 
W. McClintock, who, at the breaking out of the oil 
excitement, erected a fine building now known as the 
Howe House. The old homestead underwent many 
changes and improvements. It passed into the hands 
of several gentlemen who realized handsome foi tunes. 
During the Spring of 1864 Mr. Allen purchased and 


Acre Lots; % of the oil and wood privilege, by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





PREPARES ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS. 


47 

made a decided change in the appearance of the building 

It became necessary to make additions in order to ac- 

«/ 

commodate the many guests. At this time it was the 
only hotel and of course did a large business. Each 
year changes and improvements are made and Mr. 
Allen has realized a snug sum for his arduous labors ot 
the past year. Mr. Elisha Grover is the Superintendent 
of the house and conducts its affairs in a creditable 
manner. 

The Rochester House was erected in December, 18G4, 
by James Bellows and Samuel Tibbets, of Rochester, N. 
Y. They conducted the house for about one year, doing 
a most lucrative business. During the latter part of 
1865, Mr. Tibbets sold to Mr. B., who made many ad¬ 
ditions and improvements as the business demanded. 
In August, 1866, Mr. James McCray, an old resident 
and operator, also proprietor of the National Hotel at 
Plumer, purchased the entire building and furniture for 
$6,000. Mr A. 0. Farnham, a gentleman of much 
experience, (formerly of the National Hotel, of Roches¬ 
ter,) was at once associated with the house. His 
popularity as former superintendent, under Mr. Bellows, 
loses none of its cast under the present management but 
rather adds materially to his large list of friends. The 
encomiums of a highly satisfied public testify to this 
fact better than any words from our pen possibly could. 
The services of Mr. Frank Cole have been secured. Mr. 
0. is widely known and only magnifies the acquisition 


General Agency business transacted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 







GORDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA , 


48 

of guests to this popular resort for oil merchants, pro¬ 
ducers, operators, buyers, shippers, visitors and transient 
generally. 

Beldmg House, (formerly the United States Hotel,) at 
one time under the popular management of Messrs. 
McDonald & Paddock, now under the control of W. J. 
Belding. This magnificent hotel was erected in October, 
1805. Its dimensions are as follows: 40x100, four 
stories high, including a basement 40x30; office 30x35 ; 
dining room 40x50 ; fifty rooms and accommodations 
for 150 guests. A large and finely furnished bath room 
and barber shop are attached to the house. The hotel is 
fitted up with all the modern improvements, and is 
centrally located in close proximity to the two railroads 
which terminate at this point. It has for a long time 
enjoyed a high degree of popularity. It is one of the 
finest hotels in this section and well worthy the reputa¬ 
tion it bears. 

The Keystone House was erected in May, 1864, by 
Thomas Bryan, Esq., of Erie, Pa., and opened by 
Daggett & McIntyre. The house was closed during the 
winter of ’65 and ’66, but was opened by Charles W. 
Topliff in May, 1866, as a hotel on the European plan, 
called the Woodbine. The Woodbine has become a 
popular resort for oil dealers, finding in the proprietor 
a gentleman possessing all the good qualifications neces¬ 
sary to procure him friends and make him a genial 
companion. He has fitted up his establishment in a 


Oil men should remember No. 15 Holmden Street, Pithole, Pa. 







EMPLOYS PROMPT AND FAITHFUL COLLECTING AGENTS. 


49 

style peculiar to himself, which presents a flue appear¬ 
ance and where all the delicacies of the season are offered 
to the public. 

Rowe House, the former homestead of Wash Mc- 
Olintock, pleasantly situated and in close communication 
with the railroad, enjoys a share ot popularity. Many 
improvements have been made on this building which 
now r presents a fine appearance. 

The American Hotel was erected in the Fall of 1865, 
by J. R. Barnes, of Nunda, N. Y. This house opened 
on a magnificent scale by the proprietor, whose gentle- 
tlemanly qualifications soon drew together the eclat of 
the city. The hotel became popular with oil men who, 
with their families, enjoyed the home-like appearance of 
the house. During last winter, at the solicitation of the 
citizens, the proprietor opened his house for a few select 
parties which gave great satisfaction. 

The Lake Shore House was erected in October, 1865, 
by Messrs. Kennicott & James. It is three stories high 
and will accommodate one hundred guests; is pleasantly 
located on the table land north of the business portion 
of the city. It also affords a fine view of the large 
wells. The selection of this site by the proprietors 
speaks well for their sagacity and foresight as the 
railroads, just being completed, will pass right in front 
of the house. 

The Petroleum Centre House was erected some time 
during the Summer of 1865, and opened by Flail <fc Gail 

8 


Valuable Coal Lands for sale or lease by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 

50 

as a hotel. Mr. Gail sold his interest during the Spring 
of 1866 to Mr. A. H. Moulton, of Buffalo, who, in 
connection with Mr. Hall, refitted and remodeled the 
house, and now are endeavoring to afford convenience 
and comfort to guests, and has become quite popular 
with the traveling community. 

Messrs. Hall & Moulton have opened a large grocery 
house immediately adjoining the hotel which affords 
great convenience to our citizens in this neighborhood. 
Mr. Moulton also removed his extensive stock of saddlery 
here and as a clothier for horses, cannot be excelled in 
this or any other section. 

Franklin House No. 1 was erected in January, 1865, 
by Thomas Frothingham, Esq., of Rochester. In the 
Summer of 1866 Messrs. Rich & Fuller opened the 
house, after thoroughly revising and refitting. These 
gentlemen are well qualified to keep a hotel, not being 
novices in the art. They understand every requirement 
of the guests and are prompt in furnishing comfort to 
those who sojourn with them. 

The Taylor House, under the supervision of Mr. J. 
Taylor, is well conducted. Its proprietor understands 
the wants of his guests in every particular and is always 
ready and willing to extend comfort and convenience to 
all who visit him. 

Mr. J. A. Sherriff, one of the oldest inhabitants upon 
this farm, arrived here in the Summer of 1862, and has 
kindly furnished us with many items of interest pertain- 


Carpenters’ Ri^s for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





OFFICE No. 1 FLETCHER BLOCK, TITUSVILLE, PA. 


51 

ing to the town in its infancy—when it consisted of but 
three houses. At the above time, in connection with 
his brother, Mr. J. B. Sherriff, of Pittsburgh, Pa., 
entered into business under the firm of J. A. Sherriff & 
Co. hardware dealers, at their present stand, foot ot 
Washington street. The facilities for getting supplies 
at this time were anything but desirable. The nearest 
railroad depot was at Union Mills, thirty miles distant, 
and the nearest point for steamboat navigation was at 
Oil City, seven miles by road ; their only means of 
getting their supplies from these points being by teams, 
over roads that cannot be described, and such as must 
be seen to be appreciated. We might here remark that 
not much improvement has been made in this direction, 
as there are no public or legalized highways or turnpike 
roads in this valley for many miles in either direction 
except the one crossing at this place from Cherry Tree 
to Plumer. Messrs. Sherriff & Co. have added much 
toward the rapid advancement and growth of the city, 
each year making improvements in their buildings and 
contributing largely to any new enterprise that would 
aid in the advancement of business. Their large estab- 
lishment for the sale of hardware can hardly be excelled 
iu the oil regions. 

Winsor & Brother opened an extensive hardware 
store in the building owned by J. O. R. V/ilson, Esq. 
Messrs. Winsor & Brother purchased the buildings of 
Mr. Wilson in January, 1866, and from their extensive 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


52 

manufactory and store in Oil City shipped a large stock 
of hardware, tubing, etc., to this city. They soon se¬ 
cured a large trade and are doing a flourishing business, 
giving perfect satisfaction. They can be classed among 
the most enterprising merchants of the place. Messrs. 
W. & Brother also own large stores at Pithole, Frank¬ 
lin and Reno. 

Messrs, Robson & Co., hardware dealers, erected a 
large building in April, 1864, and selected a splendid 
stock of hardware and commenced business in May. 
The demands for hardware at this time were heavy and 
were it not for this branch of business, operators would 
be obliged to suspend operations upon their wells for 
days in order to procure a valve or some other little 
requirement. Messrs. Robson & Co. have a splendid 
stock of goods and are keeping constantly on hand 
every article required in and about a well. Mr. James 
W. Hanford is associated with Mr. Robson. 

George H. Clark’s Central Machine Works were 
erected during the Fall of 1864. This establishment is 
widely known throughout the oil regions, and has proved 
to be immensely remunerative to the proprietor. The 
manufacture of drilling tools is his speciality. None but 
the best machinists are employed and the “Clark tools” 
are considered second to none. The foreman of the 
shop is Mr. W. E. Ross, an energetic man and a useful 
assistant to Mr. Clark. 

M. M. Monnt commenced the manufacture of drilling 

Wells put down by contract by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pitliole, Pa. 




MAKES COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL REGION3. 


53 

tools in ihe Spring of 18G5. The “ Mount tools” are 
too well known for me to indulge in any remarks con¬ 
cerning them. In the manufacture of ‘‘jars” he has no 
superior. Mr. Mount is also interested in some of the 
producing wells upon the Stevenson Farm. 

Marked & Crittenden’s land office was one of the most 
magnificent offices on the creek, but recently destroyed 
by fire. It was opened by the above firm early in the 
Summer of 1865, dealing extensively in buying and 
selling oil and developing oil territory. Messrs. Mar¬ 
ked tfc Crittenden were also agents of the celebrated 
Wood & Mann and Washington Iron Works engine. 
These gentlemen were the first to open a commission 
office at Petroleum Centre. 

E. 13. Sankey, civil engineer and surveyor of the many 
farms in this vicinity, has an office with Messrs. Mar¬ 
shall & Elliott, lawyers, where can be found maps and 
plans of the oil regions. The most correct maps of the 
oil regions were traced by Mr. Sankey, who is inter¬ 
ested in oil developments on Stevenson, Bennehoff, and 
other farms. A long acquaintance with the localities of 
the farms has enabled him to correct’y lay out territory 
advantageously to those desirous of developing. 

A. D. Cotton's bank was opened in May, 1885. The 
bank enjoyed a successful course until the failure of 
Culver, Penn & Co., of New York. Mr. Cotton was 
universally respected by all in this section, and the 

9 


Casing bought and sold b} 7 S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





GORDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, BA., 


54 

closing of the bank created a profound sensation. Capt. 
Compton was with Mr. Cotton, and much respected. 

Messrs. Bissell & Co. opened a banking house in the 
Central Petroleum Company’s office soon after the 
closing of A. D. Cotton & Co.’s bank. They soon 
gained the confidence of the business men. Mr. Bissell 
is widely known and heavily interested in the Central 
Petroleum Company, and one of the first—in fact, the 
first—to develop territory in the oil regions. M. C. 
Martin, agent of the Central Petroleum Company, is one 
of the directors of the bank. The banking office was 
soon after removed to the building formerly occupied by 
A. D. Cottou Co. A new and splendid brick build¬ 
ing is rapidly approaching completion at the foot of 
Washington and Main streets, owned and erected by the 
bank. When completed Messrs. Bissell Co. will 
remove their office to this building. Mr. J. E. Ray is 
cashier, and a gentleman well qualified for the position. 
The Telegraph and Post Offices will be removed to this 
building when completed. The “ deposit line” of this 
bank stands at a handsome figure, and the amount of 
New York Exchange and Government Bonds daily 
bought and sold is very large. The New York corres¬ 
pondents are James Bishop & Co., a firm that stands 
second to none in this country. 

Messrs. Marshall & Elliott, lawyers, catne here when 
the town claimed but few inhabitants, and opened law 
offices, They soon associated themselves together aud 


Oil bought on commission by is. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 











CONVEYANCEH, AND COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS. ' 


55 

opened a splendid office over Bissell & Co ’s bank. 
They have a large practice and are also extensively en¬ 
gaged in developing territory. Mr. Elliott owned one- 
eighth in the celebrated Baltic well on the Stevenson 
Farm, lease 27. Both gentlemen are also interested in 
quite a number of other producing wells. 

Mr. A. S. Haver, attorney at law, opened an office 
and commenced the practice of law in January, 1866. 
By his gentlemanly bearing and fine legal qualifications 
he has won the admiration of our citizens who have 
given him a large practice. His thorough collegiate 
education and long practice makes him familiar with 
every point of the law. 

J. H. Hitchcox, of the firm of J. Carter & Co., ex¬ 
tensive dealers in gents’ furnishing goods, at Titusville, 
removed a large stock of goods to this point in April, 
1866. A splendid store was erected and the wants 
of the public are fully supplied from the immense 
stock of goods which they keep constantly on hand. 
Mr. Hitchcox is quite popular with the young men, who 
were formerly obliged to seek “America” ere their 
wants could be supplied. 

Messrs. Morton, Longwell & Wicker, the owners and 
publishers of the Pithole Record , a valuable sheet, re¬ 
moved a portion of their large stock of type to this city 
and under this management opened an extensive job 
printing office in June, 1866. The establishment is 
meeting with perfect success ; the citizens are giving 


Driving Pipe bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 








GUftDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


56 

them great encouragement, and the style of the work 
sent out of their office is indeed creditable. They are 
expected to remove their whole stock soon and publish 
a daily paper. Under such favorable auspices—with the 
hearty approval of the citizens of Petroleum Centre— 
their undertaking cannot fail of being a decided success. 
Will, energy and enterprise is everything, and the “ no 
surrender,’’ formerly so well developed in their charac¬ 
ters, will carry them safely through. 

Harry Da Bell, agent for F. I) Hamilton & Co., of 
Titusville, opened a branch store at this point. By his 
gentlemanly bearing he won the respect of the citizens 
and secured their patronage. Mr. S. Stanley, of the firm 
of F. D. Hamilton & Co., recently removed this store 
to the fine building recently erected by J. W. Johnson. 
Esq., and from their establishment in Titusville removed 
a large stock of goods to this city. 

The Metropolitan Theatre is one of the largest build¬ 
ings in the city. It was completed in May, 1866. Its 
dimensions are JO feet front, 75 feet deep, three stories 
high, and cost over $6,000; it was built by Messrs. 
Quirk & Schutt. Two magnificent stores on the ground 
floor were completed presenting a fine appearance. The 
citizens had long desired a respectable place of amuse¬ 
ment, and through the proprietors the best stock company 
that could be procured were engaged, and the people 
enjoyed the drama for a period of several months. 

Messrs. J. & M. Barrett, wholesale dealers in brandies, 


S. A. Barnes & Co. hare leases near National well on Pitliolc Creek. 






PERFECTS AND PRESERVES TITLES TO OIL LANDS. 


57 

wines and ales, opened a New York branch store here 
in Adjust. 1865. Their store is well known throughout 
the oil regions. They confine their business exclusively 
to the wholesale trade. 

Miller & Pfeiffer erected a building in February, 1866, 
a creditable affair: A jewelry store, belonging to the 
same firm, in which can be found a full assortment of 
gold and silver goods, occupies a portion of the estab¬ 
lishment, while the balance is used for a restaurant. 

Schwarz & Brother, wholesale dealers in liquors and 
cigars. A large trade has crowned their efforts. They 
erected a fine building in May, 1865, which they im¬ 
mediately stocked with a splendid assortment of goods. 
At the time of their opening they done an immense 
business, having no competition. Since then other 
branches have been opened but they still retain their 
share of the patronage and are doing a very flourishing 
trade. 

Smith & Haas, two enterprising Buffalo merchants, 
erected a fine building during last Winter and selected 
a large stock of goods from Buffalo and New York. 
These merchants are enjoying and commanding all the 
trade of this city and other places of note in the oil 
regions. They are in every way worthy oi the patron¬ 
age they are the recipients of. 

Mr. George O. Clark, also of Buffalo, N. Y., sup¬ 
plied his elegant store from the Buffalo manufactures of 

10 


Business of companies attended to by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pitbole, Pa. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA 


confectionery and periodicals. Mr. Clark has secured a 
large trade and is well worthy of the patronage he 
receives. 

Alex. Van Valen, of Rochester, N. Y., opened a 
large grocery house here in the Spring of 1865, in con¬ 
nection with S. Pellett, also of Rochester, selected the 
first lot of groceries ever brought into this market. The 
house enjoyed a good reputation and Mr. Van Valen 
monopolized the trade. During the Summer of 1866 
he sold out his entire stock aud removed to Rochester 
to engage in other business and enjoy the fortune made 
here. 

George W. King, of Rochester, N. Y., one of the 
early pioneers, erected a fine building, nearly ad¬ 
joining the Rochester House, and from his place of 
business all are supplied with the real necessaries of life. 
His store was erected in July, 1866, and the business of 
the town increasing, he, in connection with his sons, 
immediately erected another large and commodious 
building opposite the American Hotel. It is to such 
enterprising men as Mr. King that Petroleum Centre 
owes a great share of her popularity. He still drives a 
good business at both institutions. 

II. C. Coulter erected a building in the Spring of 
1866 and filled it with a fine and select stock of grocer¬ 
ies. Being near the terminus of the railroad, and at 
the east end of the city, he will soon see he has settled 


Stationary Engines, cheap at S. A. Barnes & Co., Pitliole, Pa. 






PREPARES ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS. 


59 

himself in a good locality where business will be greatly 
improved within the next six months. 

Mr. John Schuyler, another of the early visitors to 
Petroleum Centre, added much toward the wealth and 
appearance of the town by the erection of a fine build¬ 
ing in which he opened a first-class restaurant. Mr. S. 
has gained a host of friends and a wide-spread popularity. 
Success has crowned his efforts to please, and his im¬ 
provements, from time to time, stamp him as one of 
those “go in and win” men who cannot fail to make 
money. 

The large and commodious livery of Burns & Rose 
was erected by George Custar, Esq , of Titusville, in 
October, 1865, and by him was kept until February, 
1866, when he sold to Messrs. Burns & Rose who have 
a fine stock of riding horses, and as a sale and boarding 
stable is indeed superior to any in this section. There 
are several other fine liveries who are doing a good 
business, among whom are B. A. Bragg, Mr. Stanley, 
and John White. 

During the Spring of 1866, Mr. George T. Reed 
erected a fine building in the central part of the city and 
placed therein a stock of drugs, &c., which surpasses 
anything of the kind yet offered to the public, and as a 
druggist and chemist Mr. Reed has no superior in this 
section. In fact we may say that more business is done 
at his establishment than at all the other druggists in 


General Agency business transacted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


GO 

town. A gentleman in every respect and appreciating 
his business, the professionals patronize him extensively. 

An elegant building was constructed by Mr. Jerome 
B. Aikin in March, 18GG, which cost over $G,000. An 
elegant billiard hall was finely finished and four splendid 
tables placed therein. His elegant rooms are visited by 
all and he is entitled to the patronage received. 

Miles & Jarvis, manufacturers and dealers in cabinet 
furniture, picture frames, window shades, looking- 
glasses, carpets, &c. Miles & Jarvis keep constantly on 
hand all kinds of furniture and can supply the citizens 
with everything in that line on the shortest notice. 
They have recently purchased the large stock of furni¬ 
ture formerly owned by J. W. Johnson & Co. They 
monopolize the trade and are receiving support from 
many of the country towns. 

Smith & Evans commenced business in April, 1866, 
as lumber merchants. Many of the derricks which have 
been erected upon the different farms in this locality 
were put up by this firm, and they are credited with the 
erecting of some of our first houses. A large lumber 
yard, centrally located, is filled with the best lumber, 
and at the most advantageous rates the citizens can be 
supplied. 

* Vt "Ifa •#.»: v \ t| Mir. M Jr 


Western lands to trade for Engines by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






ATTORNEY AT LAW AND COLLECTING AGENT. 


61 

BOYD FARM. 

This farm, now a portion of Petroleum Centre, com¬ 
prises about seventy-five acres directly opposite the mouth 
of Bennehoff Run. James Boyd gave the lease of this 
farm for a term of 199 years to Sarah McClintoek and 
William Patterson for one-third royalty. In 1859 they 
sub-leased to various parties. In 1860-’G1 developments 
were made; the most successful well was the “Tangle¬ 
foot,” which was drilled to the depth of 200 feet, and it 
was reported to have been doing at one time at the rate 
of 200 barrels per day. The price of oil at this time 
was quoted at a low figure which retarded developments 
on the farm, and the ownership of the “ Tanglefoot 
lease” was divided between twenty-five or thirty indi¬ 
viduals. It was impossible for all to agree and the 
property was forfeited in consequence of non-working. 

In September, 18G3, Mr. Boyd sold his “fee” of the 
land to V. M. Thompson, and Woods & Wright. The 
latter party found they had been euchred in the pur¬ 
chase, the sub-leases not fulling back to the “fee” but 
to the lessors when forfeited. 

In Pecember, 18G3, Woods Wright purchased of 
Patterson & McClintoek the original leasehold interest. 
V. M. Thompson sold his one-half of the “fee” and 
one-half of the oil to the Commercial Oil Company in 
1864. 

The “Tanglefoot” well was struck in January, 1861, 

Oil men 6liould remember No. 15 Holmden Street, Pitliole, Pa. 




GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, FA., 


62 

and flowed 125 barrels before the tubing was placed in 
in the well. She was struck at the depth of 200 feet or 
in the second sand rock. 

The “Altona” well belonged to the Altona Oil Com¬ 
pany, afterwards called the Burkowitz Oil Company. It 
was struck May 30, 1861, and produced about 50 barrels 
per day, being tubed to the depth of 190 feet. She was 
soon after sunk to the depth of 482 feet but yielded 
nothing and she wa3 then abandoned. 

Oil was selling at $2.00 per barrel and after the 
striking of the McOlintock, Empire and Buckeye wells, 
the price of oil was reduced to 25 cents per barrel. 

The Superintendent of the Boyd Farm is Captain D. 
Henderson. Mr. H. Lehr was also interested in this 
farm. 

In July, 1866, improvements were commenced toward 
building up a large city. It is one portion of Petroleum 
Centre, and the two farms will, in time, be connected 
by a bridge crossing the creek from the Oil Exchange 
Hotel to Petroleum Centre, at the mouth of Benne- 
hoff Run. The first building of note erected was the Oil 
Exchange Hotel, by Lewis, Greene & Co., its present 
proprietors. It is the institution of the Boyd Farm. It 
is situated at the Oil Creek crossing, between Funkville 
and Petroleum Centre, and at the mouth of Bennehoflf 
Run. Its dimensions are 47x85 feet, three stories high 
besides the basement, and has sleeping accommodations 


Tubing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 




PRACTICES IN CRAWFORD, VENANGO & WARREN CO’S. 


63 

for one hundred guests. It is constructed in modern 
style from plans made by one of the proprietors, and is 
turnished in an expensive and attractive style. . The 
proprietors are Messrs. Lewis, Greene & Co. Mr. 
Lewis is an old resident here, and Mr. Greene is from 
Elmira, N. Y. The cost of the hotel approximate $35,- 
000. The foundation is of hewn sand stone, the super¬ 
structure of frame work, and is one of the handsomest 
hotels in the country. 

THE OIL CHEEK RAILROAD 

Was completed to this farm in July, 1866. Immediately 
upon the extension of the road to this point, large and 
substantial buildings were erected by the company. The 
following is a list of those who leased platform ground 
and erected extensive warehouses, huge iron tanks, and 
elegant offices: It. H. Boughton & Sons, Brown, Fer- 
tig & Go., (iron tanks;) James H. Bunting, A. W. 
Coburn, Frank Fowler, J. H. Tennent & Co., Davis & 
Co., Robbins, Jacobi & Co., (iron tanks;) H. B. Co¬ 
burn, D. H. Cady, C. L. Wheeler, W. H. Abbott, 
Oleophene Oil Company, New York ; Dunham & Co., 
D. Brown <fc Sons, Bennett & Black, Parker, Myers &. 
Co., Empire Line, Downer & Co., Woods & Wright, 
Northern Light Company, Patterson & Brothers, (iron 
tanks ;) Milligan & Co., (iron tanks ;) J. S. Cleveland, 
iron tanks ;) Joseph Bartlett & Co., and many others. 

But a few weeks ago this territory looked deserted 


Try us once, aud you will again. S. A. Barnes & Co. 






GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


64 

and forlorn enough—to-day it presents a far different 
aspect. The owners of this now desirable property, 
Messis. Woods & Wright, were always sanguine of its 
business prospects and confident of its ultimate success. 
To day all is life and business activity. Being the ter¬ 
minus of the Oil Creek Railroad and directly opposite 
Petroleum Centre, business must flow in this channel, 
yet the Farmers’ Railroad, which terminates at the 
south end of the city is a strong competition, notwith¬ 
standing a great amount of freight flows into the hands 
of the Oil Creek Railroad Company. The Superin¬ 
tendent, H. F. Sweetzer, is one of the oldest and most 
experienced railroad men in the State. Operators on 
the creek are indebted to him for many acts of courtesy. 
To say that the road under his management is well 
conducted would inadequately express the general public 
satisfaction. R. IT. Boughton is the agent at its Petro¬ 
leum Centre terminus, and in that is recognized as an 
energetic and faithful officer and popular with the patrons 
of the road. 'J he officers ol the road are S. W. Steward, 
President; IT. F. Sweetzer, Superintendent; B. F. 
Ewing, Chief Engineer ; J. F. McPherson, Treasurer; 
F. A. Phillips, Assistant Treasurer; W. R. Wilter, 
Auditor and General Ticket Agent; H. D. Chapin, 
General Freight Agent; Page Craswell, Paymaster; 
Frank Black, Superintendent Locomotive Department; 
J. Williams, Superintendent Car Department; Ilenry 
Duyre, Superintendent Telegraph and Train Department; 


Engines ! A few more left. S. A. Barnes & Co. 





SOLDIERS’ CLAIM AND PENSION AGENT. 


65 

John Reynolds, Superintendent Track. The Conduc¬ 
tors on the road are G. W. Parsons, Id. R.^Stout, W. 
Gleason, F. W. Badger, George Vail, M. Richards,,' G. 
Gadley, II. Greenfield aud Charles Sweetzer, gentlemen 
well acquainted with railroad business, and by their, 
courteous bearing have the respect of the traveling 
public. The large warehouses and freight departments, 
under the direction of Mr. Boughton, require a large 
and efficient clerical force. F. A. Hall, Esq., is chief 
clerk; W. A. Pullman, foreman of warehouses ; J. C. 
Hare, yard master ; J. Q. Streater, foreman of oil yard. 
The elegant depot, just completed, adds greatly toward 
improving the appearance of the place. The ticket 
office is under the management of Benjamin Wilkins. 
The bridge, which is rapidly approaching completion, 
connecting the Central Petroleum Company’s and Boyd 
farms, will prove of immense value to the business com¬ 
munity and the traveling public. 

HYDE & EGBERT FARM. 

This famous oil producing territory, which comprises 

forty acres, was purchased by Dr. A. G. Egbert of Alex. 

Davidson, in the Fall of 1859, for the sum of $2,600. 

The first developments were made during the Summer 

of 1861, at which time the Old Point well was struck. 

This well produced about 40 barrels per day for the 

period of eighteen months. 

The excitement was intense when the Graff & Hasson 
n 

------ - - t 

We study to give satisfaction to our customers. S. A. Barnes & Co 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW,.TITUSVILLE, I J A. f 


66 

well was struck in July, 1802, and produced 800 barrels 
of oil per day. She was drilled through the third sand, 
with no indications of success, and its owners deemed it 
advisable to go fifty feet deeper, when she commenced 
flowing at a furious rate. It was destroyed by fire and 
burned for several days ere it could be extinguished. It 
was finally smothered, when it uudenvent a process of 
cleaning out and retubing. It then produced but 300 
barrels per day, and at that rate it flowed for three years. 

The famous Jersey well was struck in May, 1864, and 
flowed 400 barrels per day for over a year. During three 
months, in the Fall of 1864, it yielded a profit to the 
company of $208,000. Oil at this time was selling for 
$14.00 per barrel. 

The renowned Coquette well was struck October 26, 
1864, and from the depth of 519 feet produced GOO 
barrels. It ceased flowing in July, 1865, and was 
pumped, producing 60 barrels per day, having been 
“ tapped ” by the Olive Branch well. During the Spring 
of 1866, and after the fire which swept over the farm, 
she was pumped, and produced 300 barrels, and still pro¬ 
duces about 150 barrels per day. Dr. M. 0. Egbert was 
interested in this farm, and wells and from interests 
which he held in the Coquette well, he realized a for¬ 
tune. Dr. A. G. Egbert sold a portion of the land 
interest to the Philadelphia Maple Shade Company for 
the sum of $250,000. VV. W. Good win, Esq., is the 
Superintendent of this company and under his manage- 


Do you want to buy or sell an engine? Go to S. A. Barnes & Co. 








MAKES COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL REGIONS. 


67 

ment the production of this territory has been greatly 
increased. He has reduced everything pertaining to 
oil wells down to a system, and the general appearance 
of the farm has been much improved by his management 
and personal supervision. J. M. Carrell, Esq., of Phila¬ 
delphia, is Assistant Superintendent, and has been 
interested in several of the wells. He is a gentleman 
possessing all the qualifications necessary for the prose¬ 
cution of that work. This company has recently erected 
a 12,000 barrel iron tank near the banks of the creek for 
the storage of oil. 

Charles Hyde, of Titusville, became interested in the 
farm and now controls a large portion of the land inter¬ 
est, which is ably superintended by D Kahle, Esq. Dr. 
M. C. Egbert’s agents are J. H. Wright, of Boston, 
Mass., and G. V. Boyles, of New Castle, Pa., and are 
the most extensive operators here. 

The celebrated Maple Shade well, on lease No. 10, 
was struck in August, 1863, being sunk under the su¬ 
perintendency of Mr. Jacob Nathan, of Pittsburgh, Pa., 
the principal owner of this lease. This well, upon being 
tested, produced 1,000 barrels per day for several days, 
until the bursting of the seed-bag, but being retubed 
she produced 1,100 barrels. In the early part of 1864 
the New York Maple Shade Oil Company, of N. Y., 
purchased one-lialf the working interest in this well and 
lease. They also purchased in leases No. 11,12 and 13, 
(adjoining leases.) Upon the striking of this well, in- 


S. A. Barnes &Co. guarantee titles to all the property they sell. 







GURDONS. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 

68 

terests in wells demanded a high figure. Mr. Nathan 
paid $5,000 for one-sixteenth working interest in the 
Maple Shade lease No. 10, exclusive of any interest in 
the Maple Shade well, then pioducing largely. Mr. W. 
M. Cole, of Brooklyn. N. Y., was appointed Agent of 
the New York Maple Shade Oil Company in the Spring 
of 1865. Mr. Cole immediately commenced active de¬ 
velopment of the territory belonging to this company. 
He sunk three wells, one on No. 10, called Maple Shade 
No. 2; one on No. 11, which fiowed 150 barrels, and 
was known as the Bernheimer well, named after the 
President of New York Maple Shade Company, and 
known as one of the earliest and most extensive opera¬ 
tors on the creek. Mr. Cole also sunk a well on No. 
12 which produced about 30 barrels per day. Also the 
wells on lease No. 15, the Gimlet and Bucktail, both of 
which produced largely for a time. The great fire of 
March 28, 1866, entirely destroyed the property of the 
New York Maple Shade Company. 

The Maple Shade leases, Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13, have 
recently been sub-leased by the company to Mr. Cole, 
the former superintendent, and he will immediately pro¬ 
ceed to rcscusitate and work the wells, taking advantage 
therein ot all the benefits accruing from new inventions, 
such as slide pumps, patent valves, Morahan’s sand pump, 
Colonel Hoberts’ Torpedo, and Snow’s liquid pump. 
May he be successful in his attempts, and succeed in 
getting back out of these old wells some of the stamps 


In the Engine trade vve defy competition. S. A. Barnes & Co 







PAYS TAXES ON OIL LANDS AS AGENT. 


69 

lost by him in sinking new ones. Paul A. Davis, Jr., 
was also interested in the developments of this and the 
Stevenson Farm. 

The Siverly Run Oil Company have several producing 
wells on this territory under the superintendency of 
Captain Francis J. Keffer, which are all producing finely. 
Mr. Keffer has sunk many wells and is a fortunate owner 
of some large producing wells. Captain Keffer was 
formerly an officer in the 1st California Regiment under 
General Baker. He was captured by the enemy in one 
of the many battles in which he participated. After a 
long imprisonment, he was one of the fourteen officers 
selected to suffer death in retaliation for certain pirates 
which the United States Government had condemned to 
death, but was soon after paroled and exchanged. He 
was appointed Provost Marshal of Annapolis, and held 
that office for two years. 

The following is a list of the wells upon the farm and 
their production. The average depth is about 565 feet. 

Keystone No. 1 was struck in September, 1863, and 
produced 40 barrels per day. 

Keystone No. 2 was struck in October, 1863, and 
produced 60 barrels per day. 

Keystone No 3 was struck in November, 1863, and 
produced 100 barrels per day. 

The Yankee produced 60 barrels per day when struck. 

The Turtle produced 75 barrels per day. 


Choice Leases on Pithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes & Co. 










GORDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, TA., 


70 

The Eagle produced 60 barrels per day—now produc¬ 
ing 30 barrels per day ; she was struck in October, 1863. 

The Rhinoceros was struck in December, 1863, and 
produced 60 barrels per day. 

Eagle No. 3 was struck in February, 1864, and pro* 
duced 30 barrels per day. 

The Porcupine produced 25 barrels per day. 

The Kepler well was struck in June, 1864, and pro* 
duced 25 barrels per day ; now not producing. 

The Jersey well was struck in May, 1864, and pro¬ 
duced 300 barrels per day ; now not producing. 

The Olive Branch was struck in October, 1864, and 
produced 40 barrels per day ; now said to be producing 
largely. 

The Keystone well was struck in November, 1864, 
and produced 50 barrels per day. 

The Burd well is producing 30 barrels per day. 

The wells on the Olive Branch lease are all producing 
finely. 

The Burlington well is doing about 60 barrels. 

The Hollister well is doing about 15 barrels. 

The Rhinoceros well is superintended by Lewis Eg¬ 
bert, a brother of Dr. M. C. Egbert. Mr. Egbert is 
extensively engaged in developing territory on Pioneer 
Run and other sections, and is identified among the 
most enterprising young operators in this vicinity. 

Well No. 7 was struck in January, 1865, and is pro* 


Casing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 







PERFECTS AND PRESERVES TITLES TO OIL LANDS. 

71 

during GO barrels per day ; owned by J. R. Frick, Dr. 
Egbert and J. H. Tennent. 

These wells all produce oil under 44 degrees gravity. 
The company have erected four twelve hundred barrel 
tanks on the bank ol the creek, and have them housed 
in. Two of these tanks are solely used for the Coquette 
well, and the other two for the remaining wells. These 
tanks will be connected with the platforms on Boyd 
Farm by means of a pipe. 

The Maple Shade Oil Company and Mr. Chas. Hyde 
are erecting a 10,000 barrel iron tank on this farm. G. 
V. Boyles has also erected a large iron tank. 

FIRE. 

The disastrous fire which swept over this farm March 
31st, 18GG, proved the most destructive to well owners 
and operators of any previous conflagration which ever 
occurred in this vicinity. Nearly forty acns of territory 
was covered with blackened and charred remnants of 
engines, bouses, derricks and tanks. The Are origin¬ 
ated at the Burlington well from a gas tank which 
exploded with a loud report. The flames communicated 
with the oil receptacle of the Coquette well, in which 
8,000 barrels of oil were stored. It then swept with 
fearful rapidity to the creek, consuming everything in 
its track. In its mad career upon the water it enveloped 
many large boats filled with oil; they were torn loose 
from their moorings, floating down stream at the rate 


Driving Pipe, bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Fithole, Pa. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


72 

of five miles an hour, thus presenting a scene which 
words are inadequate to express, Taking the fire at its 
height, when the whole farm was enveloped in this 
burning sea of oil, it could only be compared to 
Dante’s description of the mouth of Pandemonium. 
With the terrible excitement of the people, and the 
rushing to and fro of the masses, all of whom seemed 
rushing from “ the fate to come,” almost impressed us 
with the idea of its reality. The city of Petroleum 
Centre was saved by the desperate exertions of a few 
brave men. The total loss was approximated at $200,- 
000 . 


DR. M. C. EGBERT. 

This gentleman has been a peculiar favorite of dame 
fortune, and towards him the goddess has not yet 
proved fickle. Continued successes have crowned his 
efforts in seeking after the greasy fluid, and territory in 
which he is interested is ever found productive. 

As one of the owners of the celebrated Hyde & Eg¬ 
bert Farm, he is extensively known as an “oilman,” 
and the Skinner Farm bids fair to add to his reputation. 
He is universally respected by those who have the 
pleasure of his acquaintance. A gentleman of culture 
and refinement, liberal in his views and actions, he is 
deserving: of all the benefits he has received. Although 
now devoted to mining interests he is a scholar of rare 


S. A. Barnes <fe Co. have leases near National well on Pithole Creek. 








PERFECTS AND PRESERVES LAND TITLES. 


73 ' 

attainments, and ranks second to none in the profession 
to which he was bred. 

THE McCEAY FARM. 

The McCray Farm, adjoining the celebrated Egbert 
Farm, is owned by J. S. McCray. A few years since 
Mr. McCray refused several hundred thousand dollars 
for this territory. The first well sunk was on lease No. 
1, and was sunk to the depth of about 570 feet, giving 
no indications of success. It was tested and then aban¬ 
doned. Captain Daniel Jones thought that with proper 
testing the well would prove a success, and through his 
energies, in connection with I)r. M. C. Egbert and H. 
N. Payne, the farm is now producing several hundred 
barrels per day. The abandoned well, under the super¬ 
vision of Captain Jones, was thoroughly cleaned out and 
after properly testing, this well and others upon the lease 
are producing 300 barrels per day. 

The McCray wells, Nos. I and 2, are producing 125 
barrels; owned by J. S. McCray, Dr. Egbert and 
others. 

McCray well No. 1 is 560 feet deep ; producing 75 
barrels per day. 

McCray well No. 2 is 570 feet deep ; producing 50 
barrels per day. 

Pamelia well is 570 feet deep; producing 200 barrels 

per day. 

12 


Western lands to trade for Engines by 8. A. Barnes & Co. 







GURDON 3. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


74 

Mount Moriah well is 750 feet deep; producing GO 
barrels per day. 

But a small portion of this large farm is developed, 
but active operations are being commenced, and the 
wells are of Ion" duration. 

o .M 

THE DALZELL FARM. 

The Dalzell Farm adjoins the McCray Farm and com¬ 
prises 106 acres, owned by Messrs. Dalzell & Ewing, of 
Titusville, Pa. They have several fine producing wells 
and operations upon this territory are being resumed 
with vigor. 

The Castle well, on lease No. 29, was struck Decem¬ 
ber 16, 1865, and produced about 100 barrels per day. 
It has diminished to some extent but is still producing 
finely ; owned at one time by the Castle Brothers and 
A. W. Coburn, of Titusville, and others; now owned 
by Dr. M. C. Egbert. 

Well No. 98 was struck December 12, 1805; depth 
550 leet; producing about 25 barrels per day ; con¬ 
trolled by George K. Anderson. 

The Chimney wrnll produced 500 barrels per day ; now 
doing nothing. 

A well was sunk on this farm by John Dalzell, Esq., 
of Titusville, in April, 1861; depth 365 feet; produced 
200 barrels per day; now doing nothing. 

One of the most remarkable phenomena presented to 
the notice of oil men in this section was exhibited in 


Coal Lands on Alleg’y River and A. V, R. R by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





PRACTICES IN CRAWFORD, VENANGO & WARREN CO’S. 


75 

the sinking of a well on the Dalzell Farm. At the 
depth of 89 feet a crevice of oil was found, the well 
was tubed, and, on being pumped, commenced to flow 
at the rate of 300 barrels per day. The well continued 
to flow for three or four days, the product gradually de¬ 
creasing. This is unparalleled ; wells have flowed from 
sand rock, but this well was not within 100 feet of the 
depth of the first sand. This well, at the time, attract¬ 
ed a great deal of attention, though when sunk to the 
third sand rock, proved non-paying. It belonged to W. 
0. Chapin, V. F. Jewell and W. M. Cole, who had 
leased from the Dalzell Oil Company. 

THE SHAFT. 

The project of sinking a shaft was devised by D. W. 
Davis, Esq, in 1865. The location where the enter¬ 
prise commenced was on the Dalzell Farm, in close 
proximity to the large wells of the Egbert Farm. They 
reached the depth of about ninety feet, when a portion 
of the stockholders refused to be further assessed and 
operations have been suspended. The plan of opera¬ 
tions was to sink a perpendicular shaft, 7x17 feet, to the 
depth of 500 feet, or to the third sand rock. After 
reaching the first sand rock it was proposed to drift off 
from the main shaft, at a right angle, to the veins and 
crevices. Had the enterprise been carried out as de¬ 
scribed by Mr. Davis in his work, success would have 
been certain, and at the same time would have imparted 
valuable information as to the stratas of rock and the 
course of the oil veins. 




GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, FA., 


76 

WARNER FARM, BENNEHOFF RUN. 

This portion of Benuehofl'Run was discovered and become noted 
for its valuable mineral resources in 1864. Yet previous to this 
time developments were extensively carried on at the mouth of the 
run, In close proximity to the creek. This territory on the creek 
was abandoned after many atlempts to produce oil, and many wells 
were sunk, but they produced nothing. 

Messrs. Fainter, Loufer & Co., in March, 1863, purchased of Geo. 
Warner and wife their farm, consisting of thirty-seven acres, for the 
sum of $12,000. They immediately commenced operations and sunk 
two wells. The first one was located on the upper end of the farm, 
on lease No. 9. The manner in which this well was sunk, and the 
difficulties which beset every attempt to complete it, were discour¬ 
aging indeed. It was finally “ kicked” down to the depth of 400 
feet, using as a lever a 6pring-pole. Imagine the difficulties sur¬ 
rounding an attempt to sink a well in this manner, requiring weeks of 
ardous labor. The tools used to sink the well were but 400 pounds 
in weight. After reaching this depth an engine sunk the well to 
to the depth of 725 feet, only to meet unlooked for discourage¬ 
ments, termed a “ dry hole.” Mr. Painter, undaunted by the failure 
of the first well, immediately, in another portion of the farm, 
commenced the erection of a derrick for the purpose of trying 
again. Well No. 2 was situated on lease 27, and he sunk this to the 
depth of 500 feet. Similar incidents retarded the progress of the well 
in its downward tendency. After reaching the above depth 
becoming discouraged, he abandoned the wells and deemed the 
territory worthless. 

Mr. Clark, in making a purchase of some interests belonging to 
Mr. Paiuter in different localities in the oil regions, this farm was 
included, and the purchase price received was $40,000. 

Mr. Clark did not commence operations on the farm and it re¬ 
mained in his possession until September, 1864, when it was sold to 
the BeunehofF Run Petroleum Company for the sum of $100,000 
cash. The company was formed with the following officers : P. C. 
Harmon, President; James McMasters, Secretary; O. M. Beech, 


Stationary Engines, cheap at S. A. Barnes <fc Co., Pithole, Pa. 





PREPARES ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS. 


77 

Treasurer; William Spence, Superintendent; W. J. Runcie, Assist¬ 
ant Superintendent. In September, 1S6G, the following new officers 
were elected : George A. Osgood, President; John Crombie, Vice- 
President and General Superintendent ; C. F. Timpson, Treasurer ; 
James MeMasters, Secretary ; George A. Osgood, John Crombie, C. 
F. Timpson, W. G. Lord, C. H. Delemater and C. J. Turner, Trus¬ 
tees ; J. Hooper, Superintendent; J. Nihoof, Assistant Superin* 
teudent. 

Immediately upon taking possession of this “dry territory,” the 
Benuehoft Him Petroleum Company commenced operations. The 
first attempt was upon the well put down on the farm by Mr. 
Painter. An engine was procured, with tools, cable, tubing, and all 
t he necessary paraphernalia requisite for the sinking of a well, and be¬ 
ing placed upon the lease, No. 57, operations were commenced. The 
well was soon suuk 79 feet deeper, making her 579 feet in depth. 
Their efforts were fruitful of a glorious success, and on the 22d of 
March, 1865, the “Lady Harmon” was struck and flowed at the rate 
of 100 barrels per day for fifteen months. 

Tfie success of this well stimulated operators, and leases were 
eagerly sought after and taken up, but the company wisely reserved 
many of them. 

Mi. E. C. Getty, an energetic, enterprising young man, was on« 
of the fortunate ones in securing a lease, and on lease 31 he located 
a well. Alter many mishaps and inconveniences which he was 
subject to in sinking the second successful well upon the farm, he 
succeeded in gettirfg it down. Durmg the test he was not long kept 
in suspense, for when struck it flowed 150 barrels per day. Mr. 
Getty immediately sunk another well, and in this he was successfu 1 
He also, at a later day, commenced operations upon another well 
which is not yet completed. 

The third successful well put down on this territory was the 
Spence well, named after the superintendent, situated on lease No. 
21. It was sunk to the depth of 605 feet. The first sand rock was 
found to be 23 feet thick ; the second sand rock 20 feet thick, and 
the third sand rock 42 feet thick. It was struck in June, 1S65, aud 

produced 125 barrels per day, flowing at that rate for 11 months. 

13 


Tubing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Fa. 








GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA. 


78 

The Story well was the next well which succeeded in striking the 
fluid, at a depth of 610 feet, and situated on lease No. 20. The 
sand rock was found to he ol the same thickness as on lease No 21. 
It was struck July 1, 18G5, aud flowed 100 barrels per day and is 
still producing. 

The Bodine well, on lease No. 23, is owned by the Philadelphia 
Mining and Petroleum Company, of which Mr. II. W. Faucelt is 
the Superintendent, and one of the principal owners, was struck in 
July, 1S65, at a depth of 595 feet. The thickness of the sand rocks 
are as follows: First sand 10 feet; second sand 6 feet; third sand 
40 feet. It produced 1G0 barrels per day for nine "months and is 
now pumping. 

The California well, on lease No. 23, and owned by Frothingliara 
& Nowlen, was struck September 1, 1SG5, at a depth of 578 feet; it 
flowed 50 barrels per day and is now pumping. 

The next well put down was the William Clark well, on lease No. 
30, and owned by the Bennehoff Run Petroleum Company. It was 
sunk to the depth of 617 feet; struck September 20, 18G5, and is 
producing 170 barrels per day. 

A well was struck September 28,1865, on lease No. 32, owned by 
Thomas Frothingham, Esq., of Rochester, aud others; she flowed 
130 barrels per day, at the depth of 609 feet. 

Another well was 6truck upon the same lease In July, 1866, and 
produced 100 barrels per day. The lease is owned by J. Harkins, 
T. Mallery, S. Ross, T. D. Copp, N. B. Pulver, A. II. Chceny, J. J. 
Osborn, James Moore, R. C. Coulter and T. Frothingham. 

The Phil. Sheridan well was struck March G, 1866, on lease No. 
32, at the depth of 570 feet, aud has produced up to last August, 
44,000 barrels of oil; owned a» above. 

Mr. E. Vaughn is agent lor the Harkins lease, No. 32, and is a 
gentleman well qualifled for the position. He has been interested 
in many wells and has proved himself to be a very successlul ope¬ 
rator, commencing when the oil excitement was first noticed. 

Mr. Vaughn, in connection with Mr. J. W. Early, of the Sherman 
well notority, were the first to introduce the method of burning 
gas for fuel. It is now uniformly used iu the oil regions, saving to 


Gcueral Agency business transacted by S. A. Barues & Co. 




PATS TAXES ON OIL LANDS AS AGENT. 


79 

producers many thousand dollars anually. In September leases 
were held at a high figure, and were sold at from $1,000 to $10,000 
bonus, with one-half the royalty. 

The Boundbrook well, on lease No. 33, was struck November 20> 
1805, at a depth of 576 feet, and llowed 600 barrels per day. Iu 
March, IS66, it stopped, and Colonel Roberts placed a torpedo in 
her and she is now producing 100 barrels per day. The owners of 
this lease arc William Spence, A. Coddington, W. J. Runcic, and 
others. 

The McMurtry well was struck in October, 1865, and produced 
100 barrels per day. 

The bonus paid for lease No. 33 was $9,000. 

The Coddington well, on lease No. 34, was struck November 26, 

1865, at a depth of 567 feet, and produced 100 barrels per day; 
owned by William Spence, A. Coddington, W. J. Ruucie, and others. 

The Runcie well, on lease No. 24, was struck at a depth of 578 
feet, iu December, 1865 ; flowed 170 barrels per day ; owned by W. 
J. Runcie, W. Spence, and others. The bonus paid for this lease 
was $6,000. *- 

The Western Union Telegraph well, on lease No. 25, was struck 
December 20, 1865, at a depth of 519 feet, and flowed 180 barrels per 
day. The original lease was given to W. Spence and O. R. Wilson. 
The bonus paid for this lease was $7,000. 

In December, 1865, a well was struck on lease No. 33 which pro¬ 
duced 150 barrels per day ; owned by William Spence, J. O. R. 
Wilson, A. Coddington and W. J. Runcie. 

9 

Another well was struck in January, 1866, upon the same lease, 
and flowed 300 barrels per day; owned as above. 

A well was struck on lease No. 24, January 27, 1866, and flowed 
at the rate of 200 barrels per day, and is still producing largely. It 
is owned by William Spence, A. Coddington, J. O. R. Wilson and 
W. J. Ruucie. 

A well was struck on lease No. 23 the latter part of February, 

1866, and produced about 70 barrels per day; owned by Frothing- 
ham & Nowlen. 

Well No. 3 on lease No. 32 was struck in July, 1865; depth 590 


We study to give satisfaction to our customers. S. A. Barues & Co. 





GtTRDON S. BEERY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


80 

feet, and is producing 103 barrels per day; owned by the Harkins 
Oil Company and others. 

Mr. *J. W. Early, the former agent of this lease, was among the 
early operators upon this territory, and was largely interested in 
the developments of this farm, lie had long been interested with 
the Harkins Oil Company, and while iu that capacity rendered most 
efficient service. 

The Philadelphia well No. 2, on lease No. 22, Warner Farm, was 
tubed March 13, I860, and on the 15th the pump was started. A 
few moments only elapsed until the water was partially exhausted; 
she commenced throwing gas and oil with great force. She in¬ 
creased to all the valves would pass, about 200 barrels per day, and 
on Saturday the valves were drawn and she commenced flowing 
with such force that the oil was thrown some fifteen feet above the 
top of the derrick. She llowed at the rate of 800 barrels per day. 
The owuers of the well and lease are the Petroleum Mining Co. 
Mr. II. W. Fancett is the Superintendent, and owns a large interest. 
Mr. Fancett is sinking a number of welts on hi.^ leases and thus far 
has been successful in every attempt. He has long been operating 
upon the creek and is classed among the most successful operators 
here. He is sinking a well on lease No. 3, Benuehoff Farm, on the 
hill immediately back of the famous Philadelphia well on the War¬ 
ner Farm. The peculiarity of this well is the size of the hole which 
is nine inches in diameter, giving it nearly three times the surface 
which it would have with a five inch hole, but it is much more 
expensive to drill. It is now down 500 feet and progressing rapidly 
and will soon be completed. 

Well No. 3, on lease No. 20, is being tested with a good show ; 
owned by E. C. Howard, of Rochester, N. Y. 

On lease No. 35 there arc three wells, t wo of which produce about 
GO barrels per day. Well No. 3 is now being sunk and is owned by 
Frotliingham & Nowlen and W. A. Loder, of Rochester, N. Y. 

Mr. W. J. Runcie has two new wells, recently struck, on lease 
No. 33, resuscitated by the use of torpedoes- and W. B. Snow’s 
patent pump, with liquid packing, one of the most useful pumps 
ever invented. Mr. Runcie was among the early pioneers on this 


S. A. Barnes it Co. have leases near National well on Pilhole Creek. 





SOLDIERS’ CLAIM AND PENSION AGENT. 


81 

territory, and was formerly connected with the Bennehoff Run Pe¬ 
troleum Company. lie is interested in many of the largest wells, 
paying him a handsome dividend. R. W. Redfield, formerly with 
the Bennehoff Run Petroleum Company, is interested in the hill 
developments of the John Beuuehoff Farm. Wells are being sunk 
very rapidly on this territory rising back cast toward Pioneer Run, 
and in every instance they meet with perfect success. 

Lease No. 20 was struck some lime since and is producing 100 
barrels per day. It had formerly produced but 50 barrels per day, 
when W. B. Snow, of the Harley’s Pipe Company, fitted a working- 
barrel of his own invention to the well which increased the pro¬ 
duction as above. This new working-barrel does away with the 
leather valves, and produces what is called a liquid packing, never 
wearing out. It is looked upon as one of the most important in¬ 
ventions which has yet been made to increase the production of a 
well. The pump, or working barrel also increased the production 
of well No. 3-1 from 40 to 100 barrels per day, aud No. 51, Northern 
Light Company, from 10 to 30 barrels der day. 

THE BENNEHOFF RUN HORSE RAILROAD 

Was constructed and completed in December, 1865, by J. V. Cris¬ 
well & Sons. The length of the road is one and one-eighth miles, 
and cost $20,000. The road is so constructed that the oil ears are 
sent down from the wells on the run, requiring only a brakemau to 
guide them. It has a rising grade and when the cars are filled with 
empties on the banks of the creek they are hauled up by four males. 
The barrels are easily filled and replaced upon the car and sent 
down the inclined track to the creek. 

HARLEY’S TUBING TRANSPORTATION. 

In February, 1868, Henry Harley, Esq., constructed a line of iron 
pipes from Beunehoff Run to Shaffer for the transportation of crude 
petroleum. The cost was about $35,000, and their capacity is rated 
at 2,000 barrels per day. The oil is forced by steam engines of 28 

horse power, with Siamese pumps, a distance of over two miles. 

14 


Wells put down by contract by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


82 

This is the cheapest method of transportation ever devised. It 
involves no repairs to machinery and costs only the clerk hire, 
requisite to continual operation. It is the most successful enter¬ 
prise of the kind ever attempted in this section. The Superinten- 
teudent is W. B. Snow, formerly chief engineer ot the Pithole & 
Miller Farm Pipe Company, and being a practical mechanic he has 
aided greatly in perfecting the pumping. Mr. Snow is also the 
inventor of the working-barrel which has gained such a wide repute 
among oil producers. 

FIRST FIRE ON BENNEHOFF RUN. 

The first great fire on this run occurred January HO, 1806, and 
proved disastrous to the Bennehoff Ruu Petroleum Compauy. The 
following is a statement made by the owners and sufferers: 


Getty well, number of barrels of oil destroyed. 2,500 

Harkins. 2,000 

Warner Farm, lease 33, No. 1 and 2. 3,500 

('oddington. 1,000 

O. M Beach. 000 

Clark. 1,950 


Total. 11,550 

Oil destroyed. $57,659 

Destruction of tanks, derricks, engines, engine houses and 

derricks. 30,000 

Total. $87,750 


The last great fire on the run occurred July 7,1966, and destroyed 
twenty-one wells and 16,000 barrels of oil. The lire originated 
from a flash of lightning which struck an oil tank belonging to the 
ltuncie well, on lease No. 1. Immediately an immense sheet of 
flame shot heavenwards and in a few moments the tank bursted 
scattering the liquid fire in every direction. The flames communi¬ 
cated avith the large oil receptacles of wells adjoining, and in the 
twinkling of an eye the whole run was illuminated by this disas¬ 
trous conflagration. The Superintendents, one and all, battled 
with the flames and exposed themselves to great danger in endeav¬ 
oring to check the progress of the lire. The wells of the Philadelphia 
Mining Company were only saved by the strenous endeavors of 


Valuable Coal Lands for sale or lease by S. A. Barnes & Co. 
















OFFICE No. 1 FLETCHER BLOCK, TITUSVILLE, PA. 

83 


their efficient Superintendent The following statements were made 
by the superintendents of the different leases : 


• 

Oil destroyed, 
bbls. 

Daily product, 
bbls 

Loss. 

Ruueie, two wells.. 
Telegraph, two well 

.1,500 

223 

$ 8,500 

s.1,500 

200 

10,000 

Lady Hannon. 

.1,500 

50 

7,500 

Beach. 

. 600 

50 

4,000 

Gctt 3 r , two wells... 

. 800 

100 

5,400 

Phil. Sheridan, two 
Lease 33, two wells 

wells. .4,000 

300 

18,000 

.1,800 

200 

10,400 

Lease 34, two wells 

. 800 

50 

5,000 

Lease 35. 

. 400 

50 

5,400 

Lease 38, 39, 40.... 



G,0C0 

Lease 49. 


50 

4,000 

Lease 50. 



400 

Lease 43. 



4.500 

Total. 



.. $99,500 


The total loss of oil, engines and pharaphernalia of all kinds ex¬ 
ceeded $110,000. 

BENNEHOFF RUN NORTHERN EIGHT CO. 

The territory which was purchased of John Stevenson by this 
company in 1865, comprises 39 and 88-100 acres, west adjoining the 
Warner Farm. George W. Steele, President; George M. Root, 
Secretary and Treasurer, and C. J. Steele is the Agent and Superin¬ 
tendent. Through the active endeavors of Mr. C. J. Steele, an old 
pioueer oil miner, this territory has been rapidly developed, and 
many of the wells which have been struck recently are produc¬ 
ing finely. Mr. Steele has sunk several wells for the corn! any and 
In each undertaking has proved himself a practical operator. The 
following is a list of the wells with their production, etc.: 

Well No. 30 was struck in July, 1866, and produced 50 barrels per 
day; depth 560 feet; owned by W. S. Woodford and others. 

Well No. 41 is testiug with a fine show; depth 555 feet; owned 
by R. W. Red field and Major Fay. 

Well No. 40 (Forty Thieves) was about completed when the tools 
were stuck and the w r el! abandoned. The owners, R. W. Redfield 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes <& Co. 



















GtJRDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


84 

and Major Fay, are sinking another well on the same lease which is 
testing with a good show. Mr. Redfield was formerly connected 
with the BennehofF Run Petroleum Company, and is well versed in 
oil matters. He has about completed a well on lease No. 7, John 
BennehofF Farm, east toward Pioneer, and on a direct line with the 
large wells of the Stevenson, BennehofF, Pioneer, and the famous 
Sherman and N^ble wells. Mr. Redfield has been very successful 
in his stock operations, and his interest in wells are paying him a 
good dividend. 

Well No. 39 is testing; owned by Messrs. Sayers & Betz. 

Well No. 43 was tubed with the tools at the bottom of the well* 
It produced nothing; owned by T. A. Burr owes. 

Well No. 2 was sunk by the company and produced 25 barrels per 
day. 

Well No. 3 flowed 50 barrels per day when struck ; owned by the 
BennehofF Run Northern Light Companj’. 

Well No. 51 produced 30 barrels per day when struck ; owned by 
Spence & Harmon. 

Well No. 53 is producing 10 bairels per day. 

Leases Nos. 57, 58, 59, 00, GL and 62 were taken by McIntosh & 
Brother, who are preparing to operate upon them. They are also 
owners of leases No. 12 and 13, Ocean Oil Company Farm. 

Well No. 63 is nearly ready for testing ; owned by the company. 

Leases Nos, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76 were taken by W. Spence, P. 
C. Harmon and O. M. Beech. 

No. 77 and 78 were taken by the BennehofF Run Petroleum Co. 

Well No. 50 was struck in September, 1866; depth 560 feet, and 
is producing 50 barrels per day; owned by T. A. Burrowes and 
others. The success which has attended Mr. Burrowes throughout 
his operations can be attributed to substantial rigs, good wages, and 
personal attendance to his interests. 

Well No. 2, on lease 50, was struck September 18,1866, at a depth 
of 560 feet. After a few days testing she yielded 40 barrels per day 
and is still producing. 

The Agent of these wells is M. Brownson, an old pioneer and a 


Do you want to buy or sell an eugine? Go to S. A. Barnes & Co. 






PREPARE3 ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS. 


85 

gentleman wlio has figured conspicuously in the development of 
territory in the oil regions. 

THE OCEAN OIL COMPANY’S FARM, 

Otherwise known as the Stevenson, comprises 15:3 acres. It was 
purchased by Messrs. Phillips Brothers, in the Spring of 1865, of 
John Stevenson, for $35,000. They formed a company, known as 
the Ocean Oil Company, and immediately commenced operations 
to sink wells. The first well sunk was the Ocean well which was 
struck in August, 1865, the depth of which is 691 feet, flowing 390 
barrels per day. It flowed nearly a year and a half and is now 
pumping 20 barrels per day. When this well was struck the stock 
rose in Philadelphia from $12 to $32, creating much excitement* 
The leases were rapidly takeu up when the first strike was made. 

The company secured the services of Charles H. Page, Esq., who 
was at that time interested in several of the producing wells in this 
vicinity. He is a gentleman of large experience in developing oil 
territory. Mr. Page controls the selling of the oil and general 
financiering for the company, and in that position ha3 rendered in¬ 
valuable services. As an operator he has been very successful in 
all his speculations. 

S. M. Hamilton is the General Superintendent, and is well quali¬ 
fied for the position. He has been for a long time extensively 
engaged in sinking wells, and for his energy has been well rewarded. 
J. S. Fisher is Assistant Superintendent, a faithful and efficient offi¬ 
cer. The following is a list of the wells, together with the depth, 
production aud ownership: 

Well No. 1 was 6truek in November, 1865 ; depth 750 feet; total 
production 750 barrels ; now not producing. 

Well No. 2, John Sayer well, is 700 feet deep; struck in Juno 
1865 ; producing 75 barrels per day. There are two wells on this 
lease—one of them testing; owned by Sayers & Betz. 

Well No. 12 was struck in December, 1865, and is 710 feet deep; 
producing 12 barrels per day. 

Well No. 3 is producing 40 barrels per day; owned by George K. 
Anderson. 

15 


We study to give satisfaction to our customers. S. A. Barnes & Co. 




GURDON S. BEBRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


86 

Well No. 13 was struck in June, 1866 ; depth 700 feet; producing 
10 barrels per day. 

Well No. 15 was struck in June, 1866; depth 750 feet; producing 
25 barrels per day. 

Well No. 15X was: struck July 17, 1866; depth 739 feet; produc¬ 
ing 70 barrels per day. 

Well No. 16 was struck in April, 1866, and produced 300 barrels 
per day; depth 780 feet. 18,500 barrels have been sold from this 
well. It is owned and controlled by G. V. Boyles, and others. 

Well No. 17 is producing 75 barrels per day; owned by George 
K. Anderson. 

Well No. 18 was struck in December, 1865, and produced 50 bar¬ 
rels per day; depth 760 feet. There are two other wells on this 
lease which are producing about 50 barrels each; owned by C. H. 
Page, P. A. Davis, Jr., and others. 

Well No. 19 was struck in December, 1865 ; producing 50 barrels 
per day. 

Well No. 20 was struck in June, 1866; depth 775 feet, and pro¬ 
duced 75 barrels per day, now producing 10; owned by Patterson 
& Dickey. 

Well No. 21 (Arctic) was struck in January, 1866; produced 300 
barrels per day, total production 24,769 barrels. It is now pro¬ 
ducing 30 barrels per day ; depth 775 feet; owned by Patterson & 
Dickey, who are testing another well on this lease. 

Well No. 24 was struck in February, 1866, and produced 75 bar¬ 
rels per day; now not producing; depth 770 feet; owned by Pat¬ 
terson & Dickey, J. H. Tenneut, and others. 

Well No. 243^ was struck in June, 1866; depth 745 feet; produc¬ 
ing 240 barrels per day; has yielded its owners over 16,000 barrels. 

Well No. 26 is producing 75 barrels per day: depth 775 feet; 
struck in June, 1866. 

Well No. 27 was struck in February, 1866, and produced 300 bar¬ 
rels per day; depth 775 feet; now producing 40 barrels per day ; 
total production nearly 29,000 barrels ; owned by Messrs. Patterson 
& Dickey, Mr. Elliott, and others. Two vrells are going down on 
this lease. Dart & Co. were the original lease holders. 


Choice Leases on Pithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes & Co. 










PERFECTS AND PRESERVES TITLES TO OIL LANDS 


87 

Well No. 28 was struck in December, 1865; depth 750 feet, and is 
producing 10 barrels per day. Patterson & Dickey are also inter- 
ested in this well and have another in progress of sinking. 

Well No. 32 was struck in April, 1866, and produced 10 barrels 
per day ; now not producing; depth 750 feet. 

Leroy well, No. 33, was struck in May, 1866 ; depth 721 feet, and 
is producing 125 barrels per day. 

Well No. 2 was struck in October, 1866, and produced 100 barrels 
per day. 

J. M. Nowlen, late of California, but for a long time engaged in 
developing territory in this section, is one of the 'most successful 
operators on the farm. The wells in which he owns he has cased 
which tends to prolong the lives of them, and at the same time in¬ 
creases the production. He is the owner of the above two wells. 

Well No. 34 was struck in May, 1864, and produced 10 barrels per 
day ; depth 750 feet. 

Well No. 35 was struck in February, 1865, and produced 75 bar¬ 
rels per day; now producing 15 barrels ; depth 725 feet; owned by 
J. Stambaugh, Mr. Meldrum, and others. Another well on this lease 
was struck in October, 1866, and is producing 100 barrels per day • 
owned by Sayers & Betz aud others. 

Messrs. Sayers <fc Betz are largely interested in this and other 
leases, aud they have sunk many wells which have proved success¬ 
ful. They are also developing territory on Pioneer, Bull, and other 
runs. 

Well No. 36 was struck July 1, 1866 ; depth 750 feat; producing 
45 barrels; owned by Robb & Carter, of Philadelphia. 

Well No. 37 was struck in May, 1866, producing 50 barrels per 
day ; depth 770 feet; owned by George K. Anderson. 

Well No. 38 was struck in April, 1866, and produced 20 barrels 
per day; now not producing; depth 760 feet; owned by G. V. 
Boyles. There is one well going down on this lease. J. M. Boyles 
is Agent and is interested in the development of several leases. 

Well No. 39 was struck in May, 1866; depth 750 feet; producing 
15 barrels per day. 

Well No. 40 was struck in may, 1866; depth 750 feet; produced 


General Agency business transacted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 






PATS TAXES ON OIL LANDS AS AGENT. 


88 

33 barrels per day ; is being drilled deeper; owned by G. V. Boyles 
and others. 

Well No. 41 was struck in May, 1885, and produced 15 barrels per 
day; depth 763 feet; owned by G. V. Boyles and others. 

Well No. 46 was struck in July, 1863 ; depth 785 feet; producing 
20 barrels per day. 

Well No. 47 was struck in April, 1866; depth 793 feet; produced 
200 barrels per day ; now not producing; one well going down. 

Well No. 48 was struck in April, 1866; produced 50 barrels per 
day; depth 793 feet; now not producing. 

Well No. 50 (King of the Hills) was struck in June, 1S66 ; depth 
750 feet; produced 275 barrels per day; owned by J. A. Sherritf, 
Isaac Waring, Major Mills and S. G. Krick. Now not producing. 

Mr. W. A. Loder, one of the former owners of this lease, has 
been extensively engaged in developing oil territory. In Beunehoff 
Kuu, Stevenson Farm, and also promiueutly interested in the Mor¬ 
rison Farm ; he has been quite successful iu all his undertakings. 

The Lady Nora well, on the same lease, was struck iu September, 
1S65, and is producing 150 barrels per day; owned by George II. 
Moore, Esq., and others. The well was drilled by Napoleon and Thos. 
Ferron, who have sunk thirteen wells, all of which have produced 
largely. They are also interested in the Lady Nora. 

Well No. 86 was struck January 23, 1866, and flowed for some 
time; owned by Charles II. Page and Mr. Bryson. 

Mr. George K. Anderson has recently purchased the entire work¬ 
ing interest iu the following leases: Nos. 1, 32, 36, 45, 51 and 53. 
New wells are to be started on leases Nos. 32,36 and 51, and he will 
also torpedo some of the above wells. 

FIRE. 

The disastrous conflagration of March 22, 1866, and the 
largest which ever occurred on this farm, began at the Ocean well, 
where two men were engaged in caulking a new tank, containing 
oil to the amount of 200 barrels. One of the staves being forced 
out at the bottom created a vacuum through which the oil ran out. 


Do you want to buy or sell an engine? Go to S. A. Barnes & Co. 





SOLDIERS’ CLAIM AND PENSION AGENT. 


89 

Pouring down the run it communicated with an engine house, 
and there caught from fire in the furnace. From this point it rapid¬ 
ly «pread to the oil tanks of the Ocean Oil Company, oi Philadel¬ 
phia, the Arctic well, No. 20, Patterson, and Dickey No. 11), then 
down the run to different wells, five in uumber, belonging to the 
Breeden & Myers and Breeden & Tennent leases, which were soon 
enveloped in one huge mass of flames. 

In less than fifteen minutes from the breaking out of the fire it 
was emptying into Oil Creek at the mouth of the run, thus present¬ 
ing to the eye a terrible mountain of black smoke and flame nearly 
a mile in length. The damage was estimated at $156,000. Patter¬ 
son & Dickey, with the Ocean Oil Company, arc the heaviest losers. 
20,000 barrels of oil were consumed, with the tankage. Some 
eighteen engine houses, derricks, engines, and the whole pharapher- 
Dalia for sinking wells, were destroyed. Two men were burned 
seriously, three fatally, and oue, Frank McKenzie, died at the Mc- 
Clintoclc House. 

THE McCLXNTOCK RESEBVE, 

Being a small portion of the Wash. McCliutock Farm which was 
reserved in the sale made to the Central Petroleum Company. This 
piece of territory is situated on the bluff rising back fiom the 
Central Petroleum Company’s Farm aud adjoining the Stevenson 
Farm. A few acres in this tract was purchased by Mr. H. Lehr, in 
November, 1865. In the Spriug of 1866 he commenced developing 
it and sunk a well on lease No. 2, which produced 300 barrels per 
day lor a long time. The Queen of the Bluff was struck in Novem¬ 
ber, 1865, and produced 290 barrels per day aud is still doing largely. 
Mr. Lehr has been engaged in developing oil territory for a period of 
five years. Success has crowned his endeavors and he has realized 
a fortune from his interests. 

The Thomas Woods Farm is being rapidly developed and leases 
were at one time in great demand. Operations have been com¬ 
menced and when the territory is tested it will prove valuable oil 
property. 

16 


S. A. Barnes <fc Co. have leases near National well on Pi thole Creek. 






GUKDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


90 

MR. BERNARD MORAHAN, 

A young inventor, lias succeeded in devising a pump which claims 
a superiority over any other sand pump yet invented. The testi¬ 
monials which he has been the recipient of from operators and 
producers, is a sufficient guarantee that the invention is one of great 
worth. Mr. Morahan is also the inventor of several exceedingly 
fine devices which has proven of immense value. The advantage 
which this pump has over all others is the power it h is to thorough¬ 
ly clean the well of sediment, which not only facilitates the drilling 
but prevents the tools from sticking fast in consequence of loose 
gravel which always adheres to the drill. Mr. Morahan manufac¬ 
tures these pumps at Oil City, Pa. 

PIONEER CITY. 

Probably uo place in the oil regions, excepting Pithole, has had a 
more rapid development than Pioneer. Until within six months 
past it was without “a loeal habitation or a name.” The most 
visionary explorer had not anticipated the founding of a city be¬ 
tween Petroleum Centre and Shaffer whose fame should rival that 
of the best oil producing territory on the creek. Yet to-day there 
is scarcely any more a attractive point to the oil miuer within the 
Venaugo region. Pioneer City, like all cotemporary settlements in 
this section, is the outgrowth of that startling energy and determi¬ 
nation which are the peculiar characteristics of the oil miner. He 
builds his derrick, plants his engine, sinks his well, fills his tanks, 
aud lo, a rushing tide of pilgrims, emulous of his greasy conquests, 
demand like privileges. The trader builds a store, the manufac¬ 
turer his shop, the butcher his stall, the landlord his hotel and th« 
shipper his platform. Railroads and pipes supplant an army of 
teamsters to meet the increased demands for transportation, and as 
civilization forces its way to meet the physical necessities of an in¬ 
dustrious and thriving population, gradually the impromptu con¬ 
trivances of the earlier settlers gives place to more becoming 
structures and improved mechanical appliances. We cannot here 
undertake a very elaborate description of the town. It is divided 


Casing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes * Co., Pithole, Pa. 









MAKES COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL REGIONS. 


91 

by Pioneer Run which empties into Oil Creek nearly opposite Funk- 
ville. It has a church, school "house, post office, a commodious 
railroad depot, and two hotels. 

The Frost Hotel, named after its proprietor, A. Frost, is an 
establishment favorite with oil shippers and business men generally. 
The popularity which this house has enjoyed for a long season 
speaks well for the manner in which it is conducted. 

The Phillips Hotel, owned by E. Phillips, is one of the best con¬ 
ducted hotels in this section, and has enjoyed a flourishing business 
for some time. The hotel business here, as in most other new 
towns, has proved a paying investment, and the public are enter¬ 
tained in a manner quite satisfactory. 

The following are the names of the principal oil shippers here : 
Jenkins <fe Lowrie, R. II. Bougliton, Jr., G. W. N. Yost, A. L. King, 
Watson & Dinsmore, and Snow & Buck. The pipes from the wells 
on Pioneer and Western runs, extending to the many platforms on 
the railroad, has proved a paying investment to the owners. The 
first pipe laid is owned by J. C. Teller, Esq., and Messrs. Under¬ 
wood, Hoskins, Gardner, Weed, King and Hoyt. Mr. Teller, the 
Superintendent of the Pipe Company, is an old operator upon the 
creek and has been very successful in his operations. He has been 
interested in the Lady Brooks, Underwood, and several other large 
producing wells. He was also interested in wells at Pithole. 

Messrs. F. W. Andrews, Major Newlon, E. J. Park, S. S. Pinker¬ 
ton, S. Stewart and Foote & Kernochan, are the owners of another 
pipe which connects with all the wells on Western Run to the tank 
cars on the railroad. Seven hundred barrels of oil can be drawn 
through this pipe per day. It is superintended by S. S. Pinkerton. 

Foote, Dame tfc Co. have the largest and most complete hardware 
store in this section, and they are also the Inventors of a working- 
banel, said to be superior to any yet invented. 

Messrs. R. H. Lee and D. Millar have large coalyards at this point. 
They are extensively known throughout the oil regions and the two 
firms are doing an extensive and flourishing trade. 

C. W. Ames & Co. opened an extensive stock of goods at this 


Wells put down by contract by S. A.Barnes <k Co., Pithole, Pa. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


92 

point and are also receiving a goodly share of patronage. The store 
is under the management of Bently Brothers. 

The refinery of W. Lowrie & Co. is one of the oldest and most 
successful refineries in the oil regions. Mr. Lowrie was one of the 
early pioneers in thissectiou, and established a refinery at the mouth 
of Western Ruu. The refinery contains three thirty barrel stills, 
capable of running off 300 barrels of refined oil per week. A. R. 
Williams, Esq., of Titusville, and W. C. Scofield, of Cleveland, are 
are also connected with Mr. Lowrie. 

PIONEER RUN. 

The first developments upon this territory, up Pioneer Run, were 
commenced in November, 1865, at which time the first well— 
the Underwood—was sunk, and produced 150 barrels per day; 
depth 550 feet; owned by the Underwood Oil Company, composed 
of G. W. Underwood, O. B. Hoskins, M. L. Stewart, G. W. Holden, 
J. C. Teller, Mr. Foster and J. W. Irwin, Esq., who is the able Su¬ 
perintendent, a gentleman of large experience in oil matters, and 
one who has beeu identified among the most successful and enter¬ 
prising operators in the oil regions. . 

Wells Nos. 2 aud 3 on this lease never produced very largely. 

The Lady Brooks well was struck in April, 1866, and produced, 
when first struck, 700 barrels per day; depth 574 feet. It is now 
being cleaned out aud retubed. 

The Lady Hoskins well, on this lease, was struck In August, 18G6, 
and is producing 100 barrels per day. This lease is known as the 
Lady Brooks Lease, and is owned by the Hoskins Oil Company, 
Messrs. O. B. Hoskins, G. W. Underwood, Lathrop & Williams, W T . 
Weed and Mrs. Mary B. Brooks. 

The Lady Stewart well was struck in April, 1866, and produced 
200 barrels per day for some time. It is still producing but not so 
largely. 

The Mary well was struck in July, 1866, and flowed 110 barrels 
per day; now producing 40 barrels; depth 640 feet; owned by 
Messrs. Foote &> Kernochan. These gentlemen are among the 
largest producers ou this territory, and have recently erected two 


Tubing bought and sold by S. A. Barnes & Co., Pithole, Pa. 




OFFICE No. 1 FLETCHER BLOCK, TITUSVILLE, FA. 


93 

1,200 aud one 800 barrel tanks near the railroad as receptacles for 
the oil produced from their wells. Mr. E. E. Partridge, the Assist¬ 
ant Suj eriutendent, has shipped lroin their wells on this farm, during 
the months of September aud October, over 7,000 barrels of oil. 
Mr. Partridge is one of the most efficient superintendents on the 
creek. 

The People’s Petroleum Company have several fine leases at the 
mouth of Pioneer Kun, and several wells producing and some in 
process of sinking. The three wells which arc comp'eted are pro¬ 
ducing nearly 300 barrels per day; two wells are about ready to 
test. The company are also interested in twenty acres on the Me- 
Elheny Farm, which is considered good territory. Wm. Garduer, 
Esq., of Vermont, is the Agent, and is also interested in the Co. 
He has been for the last two or three years engaged in developing 
territory ; a gentleman of judgment who conducts the affairs ol the 
company in a creditable manner. 

The Queen of the Bluff was struck in May, 13GG, aud produced 
159 barrels per day. 

THE FOSTER FARM OIL COMPANY. 

The Foster Farm comprises 111 acres, situated upon Pioneer 
Run, extending back east toward the creek. It was first subjected 
to practical development when the famous Sherman well was struck. 
This territory was purchased of John Foster in February, 1S66, by 
an association known as the Foster Farm Oil Company, composed 
of the following gentlemen : E. C. Bishop, S. W. Mason, Paul Per¬ 
sons, Chaudler Persons, TV. S. Hinckley, Levi A. Skiuner, I. L* 
Enui<, D. TV. Jones, L. L. Rose and L. S. Potter. E. C. Bishop, 
Esq., is Agent, and moft prominent stockholder. He was among 
the first to test the territory for the olegenious fluid, and possessing 
that spirit of goaheadativeness which characterizes all successful 
operators, he rapidly accumulated a handsome fortune. It was 
through his endeavors that this territory has been so rapidly de¬ 
veloped, and the many derricks which are constantly being erected 
can testify to the endeavors of the indefatigable agent. The first 
well struck under the jurisdiction of the company, yielded 300 

17 


Do you want to buy or sell an engine ? Go to S. A. Barnes & Co- 




GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW,TITUSVILLE, PA., 


94 

barrels per day, at a depth of 033 feet. It is situated on lease No. 
41, and was struck in August, 1863. The working interest is owned 
by Mr. L ewis Emery and others. The land interest is owned by 
the Foster Farm Oil Company. 

Well No. 35X was also struck in August, aud produced 310 bar¬ 
rels per day ; owued by Goss & Case. 

Well No. 35 is testing; owned by Messrs. York & Johnson. 

Well No. 49 was struck in August, 1800, and is producing 100 
barrels per day; first sand 390 feet; second sand 493 feet; third 
sand 035 leet; working iuterest owned by William Sample, E?q., 
aud others. 

Messrs. Culbertson & Coulter are sinking four wells on leases 
Nos. 17, 18, 39 and 39, and as the location of the wells are consider¬ 
ed good, a large flow is anticipated. 

E G. Persons, Esq., is sinking two wells on leases Nos. 13and 14. 

James Todd, Fsq., is sinking wells on Leases Nos. 13, 15, 34, 30 
and 37. 

Lease No. 45 is owned by Messrs. Bronson & Harrington aud is 
being rapidly developed. 

Lease No. 46 is owned by Messrs. Coles & Palmer ; testing with 
good show. 

Leas* No. 4S is owned by James Seba; one well being sunk. 

Lease No. 47 is owued by Ncsbit Brothers ; one well goingdown. 

Lease No. 70 is owned by Harry King, Esq., of Titusville, one of 
the most successful operators in this sectiou. 

Leases No. 39 and 69 are owned by Messrs. Todd & Reeves, and 
are rapidly being developed. 

L. S. Potter, Esq., the Assistant Superintendent, also a heavy 
stockholder in the company, is considered one of the ablest officers 
in charge of wells. The business of the company under his con¬ 
trol is conducted in a systematic manner. His long experience iu 
developing oil territory, and the success which he has met in each 
undertaking, stamps him, in the estimation of producers, as an oil 
man. 


Try us once, aud you will agaiu. S. A. Barnes & Co. 







PREPARES ALL CONTRACTS RELATING TO OIL BUSINESS. 


95 

THE SHOE AND LEATHER PETROLEUM CO. 

This company was organized by D. Harris, Esq., of Titusville, 
and has proved one of the most remunerative oil companies on the 
creek. Mr. Harris was the first operator upon Pioneer to com¬ 
mence active developments of the territory. He suuk the first well 
upon one of tl:e six leases belonging to the company. It reached 
the third sand rock when the tools got fast and the well was aban¬ 
doned. Had it not been for this accident Mr. Harris would have 
claimed the first well struck upou Pioneer Run. He immediately 
sunk another well upon lease No. 3 (Pride of the Glen) which 
created a furors of excitement. It flowed 153 barrels per day for 
four months, and it had a tendency to stimulate operators to further 
operations upon the territory. The following wells were sunk upon 
six acres of the Foster Farm, purchased in fee-simple by Mr. Harris 
for the Shoe aud Leather Oil Company, of which he is the largest 
stockholder. 

Well No. 3 (Pride of the Glen) is producing 153 barrels per day. 

Well No. 5 was struck in July, 1803, and is producing 103 barrels 
per day. 

Well No. 6 was also struck in July, I860, and flowed 150 barrels 
per day; now pumping 100 barrels per day. 

Well No. 7 was struck in June, 1806, and flowed 253 barrels per 
day ; now doiug 150 barrels per day. Dr. M. C. Egbert, W. W. 
Williams and Frank O’Hurra are interested in this well. 

Well No. 8 was struck in July, I860, and flowed 150 barrels per 
day. 

Well No. 10 is testing; depth 580 feet. 

There are ten new wells being rapidly sunk with good indications. 
Mr. Harris is also the owner of the largest portion of the working 
interest in the above wells. A gentleman universally respected and 
of characteristic liberality. 

Well No. 5, Pioneer Ran, J. Bennehoff Farm, second tier of bluff 
leases, is owned by P. H. Corbin, of Rochester, and W. B. Todd, of 
Fredonia. It was struck in August, 1865, and produced 175 barrels 
per day. 


In the Engine trade wc defy competition. S. A. Barnes & Co. 




GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


96 

Messrs. Corbin & Todd, as operators, have dealt extensively in 
developing oil territory. They were among the first to sink wells 
and commence the search for oil in this section. Not satisfied with 
the successes which have attended them in their previous develop¬ 
ments, they are about to sink another well on their lease, and they 
are also interested in wells going down and some producing on 
other territory. 

GREAT WESTERN RUN, 

A tributary of Pioneer Run, is considered the best oil producing 
territory in the oil regions. From Bennehoflf to Pioneer, across 
the hills, derricks are rapidly rising up, and operators, confident of 
success, are plunging deeply into the developments and securing 
the crude which is bountifully supplied to them. The first well 
struck on this run tvas the Lowrie well; it was struck in June, 
1866, and produced 75 barrels per day; she increased and yielded 
175 barrels per day for several months, having been cased ; it is 
now producing 60 barrels per day. It is owned by Messrs. Lowrie 
& Co. 

The Union well was the secoud well.struck on Western Run, and 
is producing 100 barrels per day; at one time she flowed 500 barrels 
per day. It is owned by the Union Oil Company, composed of 
Messrs. G. W. Underwood, O. B. Hoskins, W. Weed, Dr. Burcliard, 
A. R. Williams, Esq., and others. W. Weed, Esq., is the Superin¬ 
tendent. This company has another well on this lease which is 
producing 150 barrels per day. 

G. W. Underwood, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., is one of the oldest 
producers in this section. He was among the few who first ventur¬ 
ed up the run to sink wells, lie was interested in the Underwood, 
Lady Brooks, and other large wells, and is idcntifiedJJamong the 
most thoroughgoing, practical operators in the oil regions. 

The Andrews well on lease No. 1, was struck July 25, 1866, and 
is producing over 250 barrels per day. It has pumped 350 barrels 
per day. No. 2, Andrews well, is being sunk. F. W. Andrews, E.-q., 
of Cleveland, Ohio, and the owner of these wells, is classed among 
the heaviest operators on Western Run. He is also heavily inter- 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 





MAKES COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE OIL REGIONS. 


97 

ested in the Pipe Company of Western Run. He has nearly 
completed aa iron tank of 2,000 barrels capacity for the storage of 
oil from his wells. He has sunk and is interested in several wells 
in this immediate vicinity, and in every attempt to produce the 
crude from his wells, fortune has smiled upon him and crowned 
him with success. 

Lease No. 4 is testing; owned b} r Bronson & Harrington. 

Lease No. 3, well No. 1, was struck in October, 1866, and is pro* 
during 100 barrels per day. Well No. 2 is producinf 50 barrels per 
day, and well No 3 is testing. This lease is owned entirely by F. 
VY. Andrews and W. W. Thompson. 

A well on lease No. 2, John Bennchoff Farm, called the McAnincb 
well, is producing 125 barrels per day ; struck in November, 1866 ; 
owned by F. W. Andrews, Thomas and EUja McAninck, and O. D 
Harrington. 

Foote well, No. 1, was struck in June, 1866, and produced 300 
barrels per day ; now doing 50 barrels per day. 

No. 2 was struck in August, 1S66, and produced 300 barrels per 
day; now doing 270 barrels per day; owned by Messrs. Foote & 
Kernochan. 

The Williams well, on lease No. 1, Bunker Hill tract, was struck 
in March, 1866, and produced 100 barrels per day. 

The Chatfleld well was struck in August, 1866, and produced 75 
barrels per day. The above two wells are owned by Messrs. Wil¬ 
liams, Lowric and Chatfleld, the owners of the large refinery. 

On lease No. 4 a well was struck in October, 1866, and produced 
125 barrels per day; owned by Silas Simpkins and E. A. Hatch. 

The Bliss well is producing about 50 barrels per day. 

The Barker well produced 50 barrels per day; owned by C. C. 
Barker, Esq. 

The Gardner well, at the mouth of Pioneer Run, produced 50 
barrels per day. 

The Wilkinson well is producing 100 barrels per day. 

The Duncan Brothers have some fine producing wells, yielding 
the firm a handsome dividend. 

The Dewell well, on the John Bennchoff Farm, was struck in 

18 


S. A. Barnes & Co. guar antee titles to all the property they sell. 





GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


98 

October, 1866, and is producing 60 barrels per day; owned by M. 
Dewell and F. Tuorn, of Buffalo, N. Y. 

Tbe Patterson well is producing 40 barrels per day; owned by 
Captain Patterson and others. 

The Beech well is producing 90 barrels per day. 

The Venango City well is producing over 200 barrels per day. 

The Harrington well No. 1 is pumping 30 barrels per day. No. 2 
is pumping 90 barrels per day. 

A new well was struck on the Equator lease, No. 2, and is pro¬ 
ducing 75 barrels per day; owned by Messrs. Stewart Brothers, J. 
W. Irwin, J. T. Briggs, L. H. Severance, and others. 

Well No. 5, on the Chase lease, is producing 115 barrels per day ; 
owned by George Lord Co. 

On lease No. 9 there is one well being tested with good indica¬ 
tions; owned by J. M. Comey, Esq , and others. 

O. B. Hoskins, Esq., the prominent agent of several leases, has 
sunk many wells in this vicinity, and in connection with G. W. Un¬ 
derwood, Esq., and others of pioneer notoriety, organized several 
companies. The Hoskins, Underwood and Union Oil Companies 
are among the most influential on this territory. Their develop¬ 
ments upon their different leases have yielded them an abundance 
ot oil, still they are actively engaged in developing other territory, 
meeting success in each undertaking. William Weed, Esq., is also 
connected with the above companies, and dame fortune has been 
profuse in her dealings with him. He is universally respected. 

COLONEL McKENTY. 

Colonel McKenty, dealer in oil land, oil interests and Western 
and Southern lands, has located permanently at Tidioute, Pa. The 
Colonel has been extensively engaged in real estate operations for 
the last fifteen years, and has spent thousands of dollars in personal 
investigation of the oil producing territory of Pennsylvania, and 
has selected over ten thousand acres of the best oil lands in the 
counties of this State. 

He has already inaugurated an entirely new system of developing 


Oil men should remember No. 15 Holmden Street. Pithole, Pa. 





AGENT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LAND TITLES. 


99 

oil territory, and one which will revolutionize the business com¬ 
pletely, and root out all preconceived ideas about royalty, bouus 
and kindred systems of extortion. He thinks the present system 
is too exacting—to oppressive on the lessees. Instead of giving a 
lease, he offers to give a deed, in fee-simple. Instead of asking a 
bonus of from $1,000 to $5,000 per acre and half the oil, as is often 
done now, he offers the choice in his territory without any bonus. 
Instead of receiving one-half of all the oil, he receives none of it— 
no royalty. The parties putting down wells on this territory are to 
have all the oil, and no bonus is to be paid to go on the land. In 
addition tb this he gives fuel for use while drilling and testing, and 
timber for derricks and engine houses, all free of expense. After 
the well is tested the paity putting it down may purchase in fee- 
simple, from one-half to five acres, at $100 per acre. By reference 
to his advertising columns in this work, cau be seen other induce¬ 
ments which he holds out to operators or others desirous of de¬ 
veloping territory. 

BULL RUN. 

We regret that we have but a few items in relation to this valuable 
oil producing territory. It has been but recently operated upon, 
still the actual developments denote it one of the most productive 
localities in the oil regions. 

The Farel Farm, purchased by the Farel Brothers, of Titusville, 
in 1861, first became famous upon the striking of the renowned 
Noble well, in May, 1866, the depth of which is 444 feet, and it has 
produced over 500,000 barrels of crude oil. It averaged 1,500 bar¬ 
rels per day for some months, and its highest production for one 
day was 3,500 barrels. 

The Craft well, on this farm, was struck March 13, 1865, and pro¬ 
duced 444 barrels per day ; now pumping 50 barrels per day. 

There has been several other wells on the farm, producing from 
50 to 150 barrels per day. Seven new wells are being sunk and the 
developments on every part of the run are rapidly augmenting 
production. 


S. A. Barnes & Co. at Pithole, Pa., buy and sell Oil Lands, 






CHJRDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, FA., 


100 

The Ames & Keese well, on lease No. 7, is pumping80 barrels per 
day; owned by Colonel Keese and C. H. Ames, Esq., ol Titusville. 

The Boutrhton well flowed 300 barrels per day, and is now pro¬ 
ducing 275 barrels per day. 

On the Patterson Farm developments are constantly going on 
aud new strikes are often made. 

The Skinner Farm, owned by Dr. M. C. Egbert and others, is 
being rapidly developed. Several new strikes have been made and 
the wells are producing finely, most of which are owned by Dr. M. 
C. Egbert. 

The Wilson Farm, owned by P. S. Wilson, Esq., is undergoing 
a test, and wells are going down on many parts of it. 

Dr. Bly, of Rochester, and several other Rochester operators, are 
sinking wells on this run. 

The Morrison Farm, adjoiuing some of the most valuable tracts 
on the run, is also being actively developed. 

The A. Boyd and the McElheny Farms, in the vicinity of Funlc- 
ville, are being again operated upon. The old Empire and Buckeye 
wells are being resuscitated by the liberal use of torpedoes, and 
will eventually yield oil in paying quantities. 

The Cow, Calf, and Heifer runs—small tributaries of Bull Run — 
are being subject to a test, aud on each of these runs there are 
several fine producing wells. 

Among the old pioneers in this section who are operating is A. 
H. Cheeney, Esq., the former superintendent of the Sherman well. 
Mr. Cheeney has sunk several wells on the banks of the creek and 
in other localities, aud has been very successful iu alibis operations. 

The old Hibbard wells, owned by L. D. Hibbard & Son, of Buffa¬ 
lo, are now not producing. Messrs. Hibbard & Son were among 
the first to develop the territory on the McElheny Farm where they 
sunk several wells. They made the first shipment of oil from the 
renowned Phillips well, on the Tarr Farm. 


Coal Lands on Alleg’y River and A. V. R. Ii. by S. A. Barnes & Co. 




ATTORNEY AT LAW AND COLLECTING AGENT. 


101 

TASS FARM. 

The wells on this farm are still producin'* largely and the recent 
strikes which have been made upon territory rising back from tho 
old leases, have created a furo>c of excitement in this section. 

.James Kepler, Esq., lurni&hcs us with the following names of 
wells, with their production: 

Keystone well produced ISO barrels per day; now doing nothing. 

The James Tarr well was struck in March, 1800 ; depth 590 feet; 
producing 85 barrels per day ; owned by Messrs, iligbee, Double¬ 
day, Kepler and others. 

Well No. 1215 was struck in June, 18GG, and is producing 100 bar¬ 
rels per day. 

The Duff well is producing 80 barrels per day. 

The Bakery well is producing 85 barrels per day. 

Parker well No. 1 is Mowing 40 barrels per day. 

Parker well No. 2 is flowing 50 barrels per day. 

Sumner & ITait’s well was struck about November 1G, I860, and 
is producing 800 barrels per day. 

Tiie Two Archer wells arc doing 75 barrels per day. 

The Monitor well No. 8 was struck in October,, 1865, and pro¬ 
duced 50 barrels per day ; owned by George 11. Van Vleck, E ; q., of 
Bullalo, N. Y. 

On iease No. 233 (Archer & Van Vleck) there arc two wells, pro¬ 
ducing about 115 barrels per day. 

The Martin & Woodford well is pumping 40 barrels per day. 

There are over twenty new derricks, recently erected, and wells 
arc being rapidly sunk. The history of the large wells of this farm 
are too well known for me to indulge in any remarks concerning 
them. Since the completion of the Farmers’ liai'road to this point 
the business of shipping oil is greatly improved. Shippers have 
erected large platforms, and buildings of all kinds arc rapidly ris¬ 
ing up. Messrs. J. Bartlett & Co. have platforms at this point, and 
are shipping a large quantity of oil. The town claims a hotel and 
post office and several fine offices and dwellings. The hotel is well 
filled and doing a thriving business which speaks favorably of the 
JO 


Choice Leases on Bithole Creek, inquire of S. A. Barnes & Co. 






GUHDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA. t 


102 

popularity of its host. The Postmaster, A. L. Holt, established 
liimself here nearly two years ago and assumed control of the post 
olRce. The olliee under his jurisdiction has jiclded the Govern¬ 
ment a large revenue, and he is well worthy of the honor which the 
Post Office Department has conferred upon him. 

V. M. Thompson, Esq., of the Commercial Oil Company, is 
largely interested in wells ou this farm. 

THE STORY FARM 

Is also productive of several good wells. The Babcock well is pro¬ 
ducing 125 barrels per day. The Titus wells, two in number, are 
producing 40 barrels per day. The Gucpner wells, on lease No. 21, 
are doing 80 barrels per day, and there are several others produc¬ 
ing from 20 to 80 barrels per day. Developments of new territory 
adjoining this are constantly goiug on, and new strikes are not an 
uncommon occurrence. 


CHURCH RUN. 

The operations now going on at this place have a deep signifi¬ 
cance to all those interested in the production of oil, and it we arc 
not much mistaken are closely connected with the imtncd.ate future 
of Titusville. 

The first wells on this run were sunk within the city limits, and 
gradually extended about half a mile up stream; not one of them 
proved self-sustaining. About a mile and a half irotn Titusville is 
situated the Eureka, struck over a year ago, on the lands of tbo 
Atlantic and Great Western Company; it has pumped seventy-five 
barrels per day from the start, having altogether produced over 20,- 
C00. The other paying wells, some seven in number, are situated 
In the same neighborhood. The Sutter well produces 35 barrels 
per day. That there is an immense parent stream of oil flowing 
through these hills from the direction of Little Oil Creek, distant 
about two miles from Church Run, admits of but very liitle doubt, 
and he who first taps it, high up on the mount, or in the valley of 
Little O.l Greek, will realize all the golden dreams of the most 
sanguine believer. 


Casing nought and sold by S. A. Barnes &, Co., Pitliole, Pa. 






OFFICE No. 1 FLETCHER BLOCK, TITUSVILLE, PA. 


103 

The following gentlemen are interested in the development of 
territory on this run : G. M. Mowbray, (). Keese, F. \V and C. II. 
Ames, A. R. Williams, F. II. Kddv, J. H. Buntimr, Briggs <& Sever, 
ftuce, J. A. Cadvvalader, Col. P. Davidson and S. II. Stowell, Esq. 

The Lady Winants well was struck the 21.-t of November, 1866, 
and is producing 30 barrels per day; owued by C. L. I. Winants aud 
Curtiss & Co., of Titusville. 

The Shippers well-is being tested with good indications. J. II. 
Bunting, Esq., is interested in this well. 

8. H. Stowell, F.-q , of Brooklyn, N. Y., has several acres of valua¬ 
ble territory near the Sutter well, which is being rapidly developed. 
Arthur Burtis, Esq., one of the most prominent operators in tiie oil 
regions, is about to cormneuco operations upon this territory. Ho 
Is now sinking two wells on lease No. 29, BenneholT Run, in the 
midst of the large wells. lie is oue of the earliest pioneers in this 
section, and has developed territory to some considerable extent; 
as an operator and gentleman he is universally respected. 

THE ROBERTS TORPEDO. 

Of all the inventions brought forwaid in connection with oil 
mining, Col. Roberts’ Torpedo is certainly the greatest success. 
The owners of abandoned wells have tested it most satisfactorily 
In hundreds of instances, and I lie oil production has been increased 
by its operations in the Venango region to exceed, probably 4,000 
brrrels per day. 

A well suddenly stops producing, a torpedo is sunk to th - proper 
depth and exploded, the seams are reopened, new fountains are de¬ 
veloped, and the will renews its lease of existence, and in many 
cases is more prolific than before. 

Already the demand for this invention has reauired increased 
facilities for manufacturing. It has been introduced in Canada and 
West Virginia with the same marked success, and will be in requi¬ 
sition so long as oil raining shall he ptosecuted as a legitimate 
business. Several suits have arisen in consequence of a violation 
of Col. Roberts’ patent, and the courts have invariably sustained 
the patentee. The price of the Torpedo places it within reach of 


Tubing bought aud sold by 8. A. Barnes A Co., Fithole, Pa. 






GURDON S.BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, LA * 


104 

every operator, and hence (he increasing demand for its application. 
Col. R. will doubtless realize a substantial f< rtune from 1?is in 
valuable “restorative,” as the United States Circuit Court at 
Pittsburgh has granted injunctions against Alex, llatnar, Albert E. 
Nickerson and their agents, and two other parties, for manufactur¬ 
ing and using Corpedoeswhlch arc infringements upon the Colonel’s 
patent. Lately, a decision in the long contested torpedo patent 
suit at Washington has been rendered, upon which the Patent Of¬ 
fice has issued to him a patent, November 20, I860, antedated six 
months to May 20, 1806, whereby he has the exclusive right to vs- 
cxplosives to increase the production of oil wells, thus settling, with¬ 
out a doubt, the whole controversy on the torpedo question, and 
proving th.'t Ballautine’s and all other torpedoes are infringements 
upon Colonel Roberts’ original or subsequent patent. 

TRANSPORTATION OF OIL IN BULK. 

Quite a revolution has taken place in the method of transporting 
petroleum between the oil regions and the New York, Philadelphia 
nnd Cleveland markets. Within the last year several companies 
have been organized, and arc in operation, for the exclusive busi¬ 
ness of moving oil in bulk, that is, in tanks instead of barrels. 
These tanks are of various forms and mounted on the ordinary rail¬ 
road flit car, and iron and wood are severally used in their eon-' 
struction. The Blue Tank Line gives the former the preference for 
its durability and non-liability to lire. 

The daily shipments of the Oil Tank Company (more generally 
Known as Yost’s, or Blue Line,) exceed 2,000 barrels of crude, and 
require about fifty tanks daily. This one Company has several 
hundred cars entirely devot' d to this purpose. This line is under 
the superintendence of G. W. N. Yost. Esq., a pioneer in the petrol 
leum business, whose generosity and nobility of character is as 
wide-spread as his extensive operations. Captain John Miller,’ 
of Mnler Fm m, is agent on Oil Creek, and E. McKenzie, Esq., in' 
New York. Mr. Yost’s purchases exceed any other one buyer in 
the oil regions. lie is assisted by a staff of buyers of whom we 


Interests in producing wells for sale by S. A. Barnes & Co. 








MAKES COLLECTIONS TIIR )UGHOUT the oil regions. 


105 

may make honorable mention of E. J. Park, Major E. D. Luxton 
and J. 11. Fulton, whose long experience and gentlemanly deport¬ 
ment amply lit them lor this vocation. 

The Red Line, another tank company, is owned by Snow, Buck 

Co., of New York, who are ably represented by Messrs. Smith & 
Coutnnt., of Titusville. 

'I he Empire Tank Company is connected with the transportation 
company of the same name, and is too well known to need more 
than passing notice. We belie\e we are correct in stating that up¬ 
wards of 1,000 tank cars are employed in this business. The round 
trip is generally made in about ten days, and the enormous quanti¬ 
ties thus transported have a marked elFcet upon the transportation 
business. 


TITUSVILLE. 

The City of Titusville was incorporated by Act of Legislature, 
February 27, I860, and was organized on the 2d day of April, 1800, 
as follows : Mayor —J. N. Angier. Common Council —George Cus- 
tar, J. II. Bunting, Ileury B. Ostrom, Thomas Goodwin, R. D. 
Fletcher, A. W. Coburn, W. W. Bloss, J. J. McCrum. School Di¬ 
rectors —James P. Burtis, Thomas Smith, F. \V. Ames, O. K. Howe, 
George C. Bartlett, E. H. Ch ise, F. W. Chesshiiv, J. J. Sutter. 
Justices of the Peace—Simon Strouse, George M. Mowbray. 

Titusville is very properly recognized as the metropolis ot Oil- 
dom. It was here that the development of petroleum was tirst 
prosecuted as a legitimate business, and here naturally centred the 
trade and commerce of the whole oil producing country. From a 
mere village, containing less than two hundred inhabitants, it rap¬ 
idly expanded into a bustling and thrifty town, and on the 17th of 
February, 180(5, with a population of between 7,000 and 8,000, it 
was incorporated a city. 

The business stall-ties of Titusville fairly reflect the enterprise of 
its people. Nearly every indu-lrial pursuit is represented, and the 
mercantile interests of the place fully sustain its reputation as the 
first commercial city of the oil region. Five handsome and com¬ 
modious blocks have been erected within two years past, and others 


Welis put down by contract by 8. A.Barnes & Co., Pi thole. Pa. 





GUKDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


10 G 

are projected or in course of construction. There arc also various 
civic and literary associations, which are very creditably sustained. 

Titusville has seven church societies, two National Banks, Board 
of Trade, Literary Association, Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Club, Mer¬ 
chants’ Association, two Masonic Lodges, Harugar? Society, A. D. 
O. Id., Washington German Benevolent Society, a Union Academy 
with 450 pupils, a Collegiate Institute, and a German School. 

The proprietors of the Morning Herald have the largest and most 
complete printing establishment in this section, and their daily 
newspaper, which was the iirst enterprise of the kind in the oil 
country, has attained a wide-spread circulation. The same company 
also publish a weekly paper, called the Weekly Herald and Petroleum 
Reporter. 

The hotels of Titusville arc worthy a passing notice, and would 
be considered ert ditable to any locality. The Crittenden and 
American arc the largest, and undoubtedly the most attractive. 

The new local administration have, during the present }'ear, 
greatly improved and beautified the city,and, judging front the pub¬ 
lic spirit and liberality which have hitherto characterized its people, 
we may safely indulge the prediction that Titusville will soon be 
recognized as the most healthful and inviting, as already the largest 
and most prosperous city of the “ Oildorado.” 

PITHOLE CITY. 

A sketch of* the oil regions, not to include Pithole, would be like 
omitting the character of Hamlet from the play. But Pithole is no 
longer King. Her greasy sceptre has departed. The oil pilgrim 
steers lor another Mecca, and even the names of tome of the fa¬ 
mous wells which attracted the multitude and enriched the few, are 
already forgotten. The balloon city has itself collapsed; the once 
busy and crowded streets are almost deserted ; many of the hotels 
and business “palaces” are alike tenantless; scores of oil tanks are 
empty, and hundreds of derricks are silent mementoes to abandon¬ 
ed holes; the laborers arc few, and mourners go about the streets. 
Take away the Pithole Record , the Chase House, “ Crocus” and the 
Swordsman's Club, and the public spirit of Pithole would be a 


General Agency busiucss transacted by S. A. Barnes & Co. 




PREPARES ALL CON TRACTS REL YTING TO OIL BUSINESS 


107 

tiling of the past. Yet the actual production of oil on Pithole 
Creek cannot be less than 1,800 barrels per day, and the bluff terri- 
l ory promises to still further reward the industry of the oil miner. 

PLEASANTVILLE 

ts very appropriately named. It is situated about half way between 
Titusville and Pithole, and D a very thriving and agreeable town. 
Messrs. Brown Brothers have an extensive wholesale house and ?.re 
among the heaviest capitalists in the oil regions. Judee Holmes, 
better known as the bard of the oil regions, has given Pleasantvillo 
a literary reputation through his “bubbling gas and gushing oil 
lubrications i.” 

Detective W. H. Harris, formerly of Eric, has now an extensive 
celebrity by the success with which he has ferreted out criminals iu 
the oil regions and brought offenders to justice. Ilis services are 
in constant requisition for this purpose, for he is always sure of his 
game, and is one of the most efficient Deputy Sheriffs iu the State. 

TIDIOUTE, 

Like various other towns in this region, is the sudden outgrowth 
of an astonishing development of crude oil, and has all the charac¬ 
teristics of its predecessors. Dennis Run has become famous for 
its large wells and rapidly increasing production, and we sec iu 
Tidioute the same restless, nervous activities which characterize the 
energetic pioneer. Three months have sufficed to build a thriving 
and populous town, which boasts its tri-weekly Journal, edited by E. 
A. S. At J. B. S. Stevens, whose columns are filled by shrewd, liberal 
advertisers, representing every branch of industry and speculation. 
There is no more promising oil territory in Western Pennsylvania, 
and the railroad facilities for transportation render it convenient 
and profitable both for shippers and producers. Several extensive 
fires have taken place, but new wells are constantly going down, 
and good strikes are of almost daily occurrence. 

SHAFFER 

Was at one period a bustling and populous town, and as the termi¬ 
nus of the Oil Creek It dlroad, indicated permanence and wealth. 
The extension of the railroad to Petroleum Centre subjected it to 


Do you want to buy or sell an engine? Go to 8. A. Barnes & Co. 







GURDON S. BERRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, TITUSVILLE, PA., 


108 

serious disadvantages, and frequent incendiary fires greatly retarded 
its growth and prosperity. It maintains, however, a steady ma¬ 
terial development and enjoys a lively trade. Owners of bluff ter¬ 
ritory are making arrangements lor extensive and thorough 
development, and should the results meet their expectations, the 
town will derive very substantial benefits. 

MILLER FARM 

Was the termination of Van Sycklc’s oil pipe from Pithole, and 
about one-half mile above Shaffer. It is on the north side of the 
creek, and was laid out by the Indian Rock Oil Company, and at 
one time exhibited considerable enterprise. Several wells have 
been sunk in the neighborhood, but very little oil procured. The 
name of the post office is Meredith. It has not shown much com¬ 
mercial activity of late. 

In the Fall of 18GI, being the nearest point on the railroad to 
Pithole, it was the largest shipping point in the oil regions. Pit- 
hole was at this time producing from 5,000 to 8,000 barrels of oil 
per day, and the greater portion was shipped to this point. It has 
two line hotels, the Pierce and Alvord, and are conducted in a 
criditable manner. 

General M. II. Avery erected a large iron tank, and is among the 
most enterprising operators here. 

Colonel J. F. Ramsey, agent f 'r Spencer & McKays Ale, also of 
the firm of Ramsey & Fleming, coal dealers, of Pithole and Miller 
Farm, is also identified among the most energetic operators in tills 
region. Emmett Fleming, Esq., of Buffalo, is also connected with 
Colonel R unsey in buying and selling oil. 



GURDON S. BERRY, 

Attorney and Counselor at La w, 

AND COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS, 

No. i Fletcher’s Block, TITUSVILLE, PA. 

Gives especial attention to collection and transfer of oil lands and 
leases. Titles examined and defects of record evidence supplied. 
Taxes paid and interests preserved from or redeemed after forfeiture. 
Oil and mining charters procured or modified. Best of references 
furnished on application. 



SURGEON DENTIST, 
Washington St., Petroleum Centre, Pa. 


Office permanently established (since January, 186(5,) over Sobers 
clothing .store. 

References.— Dr. B. T. Whitney, Buffalo ; Dr. A. (.’. Crysler, 
Niagara Falls; Dr. William Foster, Pioneer City; Rev. E. A. 
Squires, T. H. Stuart, Dr. L. H.Christie, Marshall & Elliot, lawyers, 
Petroleum Centre, Pa. 


F. D. HAMILTON & CO. 

WHOI.KSAl.K AND P.E'l'IIL DEALERS IN fORKlGN AND DOMESTIC 

Cigars, Tobaccoes and Snuffs 

NO. --> SPKING H r l v REET, 

AdJofniinj TITUSVILLE, PA. 


HATS jA-TsHO CAPS I 

NEW WINTER FURS 

4 


Fancy Robes, Cents’ Furnishing Goods, 

LADIES’ TRAVELING LAGS. 



First door west of Postoftiee, TITUSVILLE, Pa. Highest price 
paid for all kinds of Furs. Give tm- a call. 














! no AT, ! COAL! COAL! 


I 

X>« MX3L.Xj.jfii n. 




MIX,!, A »• 







CRITTENDEN HOUSE 


TITUSVILLE, PA. 






Proprietor. 



This elegant Hotel is entirely new-built with all the modern 
improvements. 


MAGNIFICENTLY FURNISHES 


And perfect in all its appointments. An omnibus conveys passen 

gers to and from the depot. 


The Hotel is Centrally Located, 


Aud is the largest and best regulated Hotel in the Oil Kegions. 








CURDON S. BERRY, 

ttonwg antr fetronstlar at tab) 

And Commissioner of Deeds, and Soldiers’ Claim Agent, 
No. i Fletcher Block, TITUSVILLE, PA. 

All professional business will receive prompt and faithful attention. 
References. —First National Bank. Best of references in other 
parts of the country if desired. 


AMERICAN HOUSE, 

8PRI,\G STREET, 


TITUSVILLE. PA. 

WILLIAMS & STOWELL, - - - Proprietors. 

The great degree of popularity which this house has enjoyed is a 
sufficient guarantee of its excellence. This house has all the mod¬ 
ern improvements, with large and commodious rooms, and it is 
. unsurpassed by any hotel in the oil regions for the comfort and 
convenience of guests. Omnibus to and from the depot. 


CASTLE BROTHERS, 

JEWELERS! 

Corner Hprlng and Franklin streets, 

TITUSVILLE, PA. 

American'Watches,—gold and silver—Ladies’ Gold Watches, Gold and 
Silver Chains, Ring. Lockets, Keys, Jewelry, Ac., Silver and Plated Ware, 
Tea Sets, Castors, Cake Baskets, Butter Dishes, Spoons, Ac., Morton’s Gold 
Pens, the Lest in use. Spectacles, all styles and for all ages. Hotel and Office 
Clocks, with calendar. House Clocks, all styles. Pistols, Fine Pocket Cut¬ 
lery, Fancy Goods, A c. All goods warranted as represented. Watch repair¬ 
ing done in the best manner and warranted. 











W. B. SHOW’S 

Patent Liquid Packing Pump 

FOR O I Ju WELLW. 

We are now prepared to furnish any demand for these Pumps. 
Sent by express to all parts of the oil regions by Bryan, Dilliug- 
ham & Co., sole agents for the State of Pennsylvania. 

St needs but a Trial to Prove its Merits, 

Working entirely without leather or any other fllexible packing, 
never wearing out. 

The following wells on Bennehoff Run have been improved by 
this pump: Leases No. 26, S3, 34, 51, and 24 and Nos. 1 and 2 Ste¬ 
venson Farm, LTnion well No. 2, Pioneer Run, and in many others. 

W. B. SNOW & CO. 

Office, Bryan, Dillingham & Co., Franklin street, Titusville, Pa. 


ALBERT S. HAVER, 

Ittovncn k Counselor at. Xau\ 

OFFICE OX WASHINGTON STREET, NEAR NUNDA HOUSE, 

PETROLEUM CENTRE, PA. 


FROM NEW YORK CITY. 


C. E. SANDERSON, 

DEALER IN 


WINES, BRAN DIES, 

AND CHOICE BRANDS OF 

Bourbon and Rye Whiskies, 

And Sole Agent for Spencer & McKay’s Pittsburgh Ale. 
Diamond and Spring Streets, adjoining Crittenden Hall, 

TITUSVILLE, PA. 









HENRY McKENTY, 


DEALER IN 



WESTERN AND SOUTHERN LANDS. 

Near the Shaw House. ( Tidioute, Warren Co,, Pa. 


N. B.—Money invested that will pay largely. Oil Lands, Oil In¬ 
terests, Western and Southern Lands bought and sold on com¬ 
mission. 


References by Permission: 

Messrs. P. M. Myers & Co., Bankers, New York. 

“ Barcroft & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 

“ J. H. Clapp & Co., Bankers, Boston, Mass. 

“ Cummings, Brown & Co., New Orleans, La. 

“ Walker & Dexter, Attorneys at Law, Chicago, Ill. 

Mr. Joseph Durbrow, Bankers, San Francisco, Cal. 

Messrs. Johnston Brothers & Co., Bankers, Baltimore, Md. 

Messrs. Warren, Talbot & Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

Hon. Alexander Ramsey, U. S. Senator, St. Paul, Minn. 

Hon. Henry M. Rice, St. Paul, Minn. 

Hon. William R. Marshall, Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. 
Hon. Thomas Wilson, Chief Justice of Minnesota, Winona, Minn. 
First National Bank, St. Paul, Minn. 

Second National Bank, St. Paul, Minn. 

Mr. Samuel Q. Brown, Pleasantville, Venango Co., Pa. 

Hon. Arnold Plummer, Franklin, Venango Co., Pa. 
Correspondence Solicited. 

HENRY McKENTY, 

Dealer in Oil Lands, Oil Interests, Western and Southern Lands. 
Tidioute, Warren County, Pa. Office near the Shaw House. 








ALL THE OIL! NO ROYALTY! 


GREAT INDUCEMENTS 

to parties who want to 

BORE FOR OIL. 

-► -<» . <- 

The undersigned has inaugurated a new system in the oil re¬ 
gions of Pennsylvania. He offers the following inducements, so 
that almost any person who has industry and perseverance can go 
on the land and bore for a flowing oil well : 

1st. NO ROYALTY. 

The oil to belong exclusively to the party putting down 
the well. 

2d. ALL THE WOOD WANTED FOR FUEL, 

for drilling and testing, free of expense. 

3d. Timber for Engine Houses and Derricks, 

also without charge. 

4th. When the well is down and fully tested, the party shall have 
the privilege of purchasing from one-half to five acres in fee 
simple, upon which the well is located at a hundred dollars per acre. 

The undersigned has expended thousands of dollars during the 
last twelve months in exploring the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and 
during that time has selected over 

TEN THOUSAND ACRES 

of beautiful oil territory. It has been selected with great care, and 
most of it is situated in the midst of tekritoky already de¬ 
veloped, and where oil is now obtained in large quantities. 

Western and Southern Lands. 

20,000 acres of Western and Southern Lands for sale tor 
cash, or wili be exchanged for Oil Lands, Oil Interests, Producing 
Wells, and Wells going down, also for Engines, Well Rigs, &c., 
Houses and Lots, 

These lands were selected with great care, with wood, prairie and 
water, and many of them located on Completed Railroad Lines. 

HENRY McKENTY, 

Dealer in Oil Lands, Oil Interests, Western and Southern Lands. 
Tidioute, Warren County, Pa. Office near the Shaw House. 


i 



€. X£. AMES dfc GO 


Wholesale and Retail Dealers in 


hemi Irani 


And Manufacturers of 






Comer Franklin and Pine Streets, 


TITUSVILLE, PA. 










RICHER & CO. 



FLETCHER'S BLOCK. 

FRANKLIN ST. 













WM, S. FOGG, President,ICY. j W. ’6. 
GILBERT DFAN/Couusel, “ j G. TiT 

f 

V / 

"Oil. Bond Strcat. 


Col, E, A.Li ROBERTS, Gen, Supt., Titusville,: 


OFFICE AT THE FED PLANING MILL. 



Heretofore wo have in 
our circulars, alluded to a 
series of experiments be’nr; 

made with Ni-ro-Glecerine 

•» 

and other explosives. We 
now announce that we have 
succeeded even beyond our 
mostsanguiii' exp v ! a ions 
as regards the safety of 
handling, alao/he unpre¬ 
cedented f rco|e n 1 y >w v * 
manifested b)t a ski 1 if. T 
combination \Viieiei* y die 
size of the Torpedo is les¬ 
sened, and the force many 
times multiplied, and are 
now prepared to operate on 
wells with any of the above- 
named explosives—ei 1 her 
with our improved combi 
nation torpedo, which has 
a record of utility too well 
known to need mention here 


8 ib. Nie*o-Glyt‘Giiue equal to 64 lb#, powder*/.$150 V 

i6 lb. “ “ ** 128 lbs. powder,.... 200 00 

Combination equal to 100 lbs. powder... ... . ... 100 00 

Improved Combination, equal to 150 lbs. powder. 200 00 

Double Combination, eq. to 200 to 1000 lb«. powder, $200 to 500 Go 
30 !b. Powder Torpedo, without corobiualion.. SO 00 


f> 

: 












































